iHi::  OlHER  SIDE  OF 
TfW.  FOOTLkGHTS 


JM:.   KOBS    EMPLOYED    BY 
n-nE  MODERN  SPIRITUALIST,  PSYCHIC  W'^     ,ER, 

rf>AmvoY:4rNT  an^  trtstal  c  \zer 


CD.-'-^'  V' 


EOUC. 
PSVCH. 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 


The  John  J.  and  HaiNna  M.  McManus 

Morris  N.  and  Chesley  V.  Young 

Collection 


On  The  Other  Side 

of  the 

Footlights 

AN  EXPOSE  OF  ROUTINES,  APPARATUS  AND 
DECEPTIONS  RESORTED  TO  BY  MEDIUMS, 
CLAIRVOYANTS,  FORTUNE  TELLERS 
AND  CRYSTAL  GAZERS  IN  DE- 
LUDING THE  PUBLIC 


Published  by 

HEANEY  MAGIC  COMPANY 

Berlin,  Wis. 


GIFT 


"••  JOHN  T 


EOUd- 
PSYCH. 
LIBRARY 


DEDICATION 

To  the  Memory  of  Harry  Kellar,  The  Dean 

of  Magic,  Known  and  Beloved  by  Magicians 

and  Laymen  Throughout  the  World,  This 

Work  is  Dedicated. 


952 


CONTENTS 

Introduction    '"1^ 

Rope  Ties   15 

Blindfolds 16 

Sealed  Envelope  Reading 17 

Alcohol  Method   19 

Wax  Pads   21 

Back  of  House  Steal 22 

Switching  in  Audience 23 

Changing   Bag   25 

Changing  Basket 26 

Mirror  Bowl  26 

Bowl  and  Stand 27 

Bowl  and  Tongs   28 

Carbon    Table    Top '-  30 

The   Ink   Bottle   31 

The  Clip  Board  32 

Transmitting  Contents  of  Messages ._- 34 

Direct  Connection  Telephone 35 

Induction    Method    36 

The  Blackboard  Method 37 

Cushion   and   Crystal 38 

Reader  Stand   39 

Faro  Box  Hand  Reader 40 

Concealed  Reader 41 

Reader    Balls    42 

Mechanical  Balls  44 

Reading  from  Face  of  Watch 45 

Reading  Off  Cuff 46 

Using   Edge   of   Envelope 46 

Marking    on    One    Envelope 47 

Handing  Back  Original  Queries 49 

Trumpet    Seance    50 

Reading  Under  Sheet 52 

Psychic    Tests    53 

Thought  Transmission  Test 53 

Stylus   Method   56 

Parlor  Thought  Transference 57 

The   Want   Ad   Test 59 

Flap    Slates    62 

Medium's  Slate  Mystery   63 

The  Bolted  Slates 63 

Mechanical  Slates 64 

Hinged   Flap   Slate 66 

Wedge  and  Steel  Hook 67 

Slate  Switches   68 


CONTENTS— Continued 

Rapping  Hands — 

Thread  Method *^ 

Electro  Magnet  '0 

Needle  Point  Method '71 

Weighted  Hand   "72 

Bible  Test  "^2 

Talking  Skull 74 

Spirit  Clock '^5 

Spirit  Photography — 

Double  Envelope  Method 75 

The  Sand  Frame 76 

The   Buckley   Method 78 

Table  Lifting- 
Old  Method 80 

New  Method 81 

Floating  Ball   82 

Clairvoyance  or  Second  Sight 85 

Suggested  Feats  in  Audience 85 

Playing  Selected  Pieces  on  Piano 87 

"Object"   Code    88 

Second  Sight  by  Telephone 93 

Silent  Thought  Transmission  Test 93 

Spiritualistic   Effects    96 

Floating  Light 96 

Materialization 96 

A  Typical   Seance 98 

Miscellaneous    102 

The  Living  and  the  Dead 102 

The   Haunted   Handkerchief 103 

Second  Sight  with  a  Clock 103 

Penetrating  Glass  of  Water 104 

Hindoo  Lota  106 

The  Bewitched  Umbrella 106 

Finding  Hidden  Articles  While  Blindfolded 107 

The   Spirit  Answer 109 

The  Ghost's  Message 110 

Sack  Escapes   111 

The  Bottomless  Sack 112 

Double   Sack   -^ 112 

Stealing   Slack   _' 112 

Mail    Sack    Escape 113 

Black  Art   113 

Fortune  Telling   Ball 115 

The  Cut  and  Restored  Turban 116 

Catching  Live  Pigeons  Out  of  the  Air 117 

The    Obedient    Ball 119 

In  Conclusion  119 


INTRODUCTION 

THIS  manuscript  was  compiled  primarily  for  the  benefit  of 
uninformed  magicians,  enabling  them  to  adopt  the  various 
tricks  and  effects  for  their  own  amusement,  or  to  detect  frau- 
dulent mediums  in  the  presentation  of  alleged  spiritualistic 
communications,  etc.,  etc. 

Should  it  fall  into  the  hands  of  ones  that  have  been  duped 
by  the  trickster,  who  plays  upon  their  superstition,  making 
use  of  facts  secured  in  regard  to  past  history,  family  connec- 
tions and  similar  information,  for  pecuniary  profit,  I  trust  it 
will  in  the  future  save  them  from  these  vultures  whose  only 
creed  is  "Get  The  Money,"  regardless  of  methods  employed  or 
resultant  consequences  to  their  victims. 

A  word  as  to  spiritism  or  spiritualism — supposedly  a  com- 
munication by  divers  ways  and  means  between  the  living 
and  the  dead — a  creed  or  religion  that  has  grown  by  leaps  and 
bounds  since  the  world's  war,  due  largely  no  doubt  to  the  re- 
ceptive mood  of  widows,  bereaved  mothers  and  sisters  when 
the  merest  opportunity  presents  itself  for  a  possible  commun- 
ion with  their  beloved  ones.  I  do  not  make  bold  to  state  that 
all  mediums  are  frauds ;  no  douDt  there  are  a  few  really  sin- 
cere, endeavoring  to  the  best  of  their  ability  (but  without 
results)  to  pierce  the  veil  separating  us  from  that  unknown 
beyond.  However,  any  worker  who  receives  messages, 
answer  questions  through  a  "control"  and  otherwise,  or  causes 
seemingly  supernatural  occurrences  to  take  place,  emphati- 
cally does  resort  to  fraud  or  trickery. 

You  may  say  that  spiritism  does  and  must  exist:  that 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

brilliant  scholars  such  as  Sir  Conan  Doyle  and  Sir  Oliver 
Lodge,  whose  expressions  of  belief  refute  the  testimony  of 
magicians  and  other  investigators  who  are  equally  positive  it 
does  not  exist.  How  intelligent,  clear  thinking  men  as  the 
above  can  be  converted  to  the  doctrine  of  spiritism  is  a  prob- 
lem for  someone  besides  myself  to  solve .  if  sincere,  a  plausible 
solution  would  be  that  they  have  either  allowed  their  sensitive, 
highly  trained  minds  to  receive  impressions  which  have  no 
foundation  or  actual  existence;  or  are  the  pawns  of  some 
clever  deceptionists,  havfng  been  convinced  of  the  genuine- 
ness of  seances  undertaken  and  further,  that  they  themselves 
actually  receive  messages  from  the  dead. 

As  this  is  being  written  the  author-spiritist,  Conan  Doyle 
has  started  a  campaign  in  our  country,  preaching  the  gospel 
of  spiritualism  and  annexing  American  dollars  in  large 
amounts,  which  action  classifies  him  in  my  mind  as  on  the 
doubtful  list.  A  future  paragraph  dwells  upon  attendant 
finances  in  connection  with  this  religion  or  "fad."  Once  again 
it  appears  a  case  of  belief  and  coin  going  hand  in  hand. 

Ask  any  well  informed  magician  whether  or  not  he  believes 
in  spiritism.  He  will  laugh  at  you.  The  majority  of  fraudulent 
mediums  are  crude  in  their  demonstrations  as  compared  to  the 
modern  magician  or  entertainer,  who  produces  the  same  and 
more  impressive  results  upon  the  open,  lighted  stage,  while 
the  "spook"  worker  is  in  most  instances  protected  by  a  cur- 
tain of  darkness.  I  myself  have  never  witnessed  anything  but 
trickery  in  seances ;  I  have  yet  to  meet  the  magician  who  could 
not  explain  the  methods  of  trickery  or  articles  of  apparatus, 
etc.,  employed  at  seances  where  he  sat  in  attendance.  Mr. 
Harry  Houdini,  at  a  banquet  recently  given  in  his  honor  by 
the  Chicago  Assembly,  Society  of  American  Magicians,  in  a 
most  wonderful  and  highly  interesting  speech  told  those  pres- 
ent of  having  witnessed  over  one  hundred  seances  while  in 

8 


ON    THE    OTHER    SIDE    OF    THE    FOOTLIGHTS 

Europe,  and  in  each  instance  had  detected  trickery  or  fraud 
being  employed,  although  a  few  workers  were  exceptionally 
clever.  He  has  investigated  every  medium  of  note  in  this 
country  with  similar  results  and,  in  addition,  to  satisfy  himself 
beyond  peradventure  of  doubt  in  regard  to  communication 
with  this  world  after  death,  made  compacts  between  his  most 
devoted  friends  that  each  would  endeavor  to  get  in  touch  with 
the  other  in  the  event  of  their  decease.  Two  comrades  have 
departed  on  the  great  unknown  journey,  one  his  life-long 
friend  and  late  secretary,  John  Sargent,  whose  last  words  to 
Mr.  Houdini  were:  "Harry,  remember  the  sign."  The  agreed 
sign  has  not  been  received,  nor  a  message  of  any  character,  to 
estabhsh  the  fact  of  active  or  communicative  life  beyond  the 
grave. 

These  many  visits  of  Mr.  Houdini  were  not  made  as  a 
skeptic;  neither  was  the  thought  of  expose  uppermost,  but  in 
full  faith  to  determine  to  his  own  satisfaction  if  amongst  the 
mediums  one  was  actually  capable  of  proving  beyond  doubt 
that  those  in  this  life  are  able  to  get  in  touch  with  our  dead. 

Mr.  David  P.  Abbott  of  Omaha,  Nebraska,  is  a  well  known 
student  of  psychology  and  an  ardent  investigator  in  matters 
pertaining  to  spiritism.  His  investigations  covered  a  large  ter- 
ritory, for  when  publicity  was  awarded  mediums  or  clair- 
voyants, these  individuals  v>^ere  visited  and  methods  of  oper- 
ation studied.  The  above  gentleman  is  also  author  of  an  inter- 
esting book  wherein  he  exposes  the  routines  employed  by 
mediums,  which,  however,  have  since  been  superseded  by 
others  more  intricate  and  clever,  as  will  be  the  case  after  those 
explained  herein  become  more  universally  familiar  to  the 
public. 

The  best  arguments  to  advance  against  the  theory  of 
spiritism  are  these :  Why  are  the  converts  thereto  so  exceed- 
inly  small  in  number  compared  with  any  other  religion  ?    Why 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


are  such  a  chosen  few  capable  of  satisfactorily  or  convincingly 
conducting  a  seance?  Why  is  there  always  a  subscription, 
donation,  or  whatever  you  desire  to  term  it,  collected  or  in 
some  manner  extracted  from  the  purse?  There  is  always  a 
source  of  revenue  connected  with  the  work  regardless  of  the 
place  or  manner  exhibited. 

Women  are  more  susceptible  to  the  wiles  of  the  faker  than 
are  males,  though  many  of  the  latter,  especially  among  the 
foreign  element,  are  believers  in  spiritism,  fortune  telling,  etc. 
The  fortune  teller,  in  most  sections  of  the  country,  due  to 
police  activity,  is  almost  extinct,  but  in  former  years  conducted 
a  prosperous  business.  Their  methods  of  procedure  were 
almost  identical  with  those  of  the  magician  or  spiritualist.  I 
have  interrogated  many  women  who  visited  these  fortune 
tellers  and  to  demonstrate  how  easily  the  mind  forgets  errors 
and  small  details,  remembering  only  truths  or  pertinent  facts,, 
can  state  that  over  ninety  per  cent  could  give  no  coherent 
detail  of  a  visit  or  conversation  until  lead  over  it  step  by  step. 
When  relating  their  experiences  the  major  portion  would  say 
they  called  on  "so  and  so"  and  when  ushered  into  the  presence 
of  the  seer  he  called  out  the  correct  name  and  make  known 
what  was  on  their  mind.  My  first  query  was:  "Didn't  you 
write  your  name  and  a  question,  or  sign  your  name  to  some 
paper  before  being  ushered  into  the  presence  of  the  fortune 
teller?"  Invariably  the  answer  was  "no"  and  in  a  few  in- 
stances this  was  correct,  the  information  having  been  pumped 
by  an  apparently  prospective  caller  like  themselves,  who  in 
reality  was  an  assistant  of  the  faker  and  to  whom  it  was  con- 
veyed before  being  ushered  into  the  interior  sanctum.  After 
leading  a  party  over  the  journey,  step  by  step,  from  time  of 
starting  up  the  stairs,  or  in  some  instances  from  the  instant 
of  departing  from  home,  recalling  every  move  possible,  it  was 
generally  remembered  that  they  had  written  their  name  and 

10 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


asked  a  question  but  had  put  it  in  a  pocketbook,  a  glove,  etc., 
"where  there  was  absolutely  no  chance  of  the  man  seeing  it." 
After  reading  this  volume  you  will  realize  that  such  a  proce- 
dure was  all  the  prognosticator  required,  but  this  really  had 
been  a  mere  matter  of  detail  and  was  entirely  forgotten  or 
covered  up  when  unexpectedly  called  by  name  and  some  truths 
or  near  truths  conveyed.  Such  a  visitor  is  subject  to  nervous- 
ness, due  to  the  unfamiliar  surroundings ;  wondering  what  in- 
formation will  be  gleaned ;  whether  the  fortune  teller  can  read 
minds ;  the  appearance  he  will  present  and  fleeting  thoughts  of 
what  possibly  others  have  related  regarding  his  prowess — a 
condition  of  mind  known  to  and  relied  upon  by  the  faker — his 
two  chief  assets  being  nerve  and  an  understanding  of  human 
nature. 

Next  time  a  visit  to  a  fortune  teller  or  to  a  spiritualistic 
seance  is  contemplated,  if  by  chance  you  number  a  magician 
amongst  your  acquaintances,  request  his  company;  if  versed 
in  the  art  of  magic,  as  he  should  be,  the  solution  of  various 
demonstrations  can  easily  be  secured.  Perchance  there  is  a 
magicians'  fraternity  in  your  community;  if  so,  the  members 
thereof  will  be  glad  to  aid  and  enlighten  you  along  these  lines. 
One  of  the  paramount  duties  of  the  Society  of  American  Magi- 
cians, which  is  proud  to  be  under  the  leadership  of  Mr.  Harry 
Houdini,  President  of  the  New  York  Parent  Assembly,  is  to 
expose  fraudulent  mediums  and  fake  fortune  tellers ;  this  body 
or  one  of  its  branch  assemblies  in  the  United  States  is  always 
willing  to  extend  every  courtesy  possible,  perhaps  saving  your- 
self or  friends  from  the  clutches  of  the  faker,  a  personage 
often  very  fluent  and  convincing  in  conversation,  quick  witted 
and  ever  on  the  alert  to  make  capital  of  each  arising  situation. 

All  statements  to  the  contrary,  nearly  everyone  loves  the 
mysterious  and  enjoys  being  deceived,  to  a  certain  extent;  if 
such  were  not  the  case  a  majority  of  spiritualists,  clairvoyants, 

11 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


fortune  tellers,  etc.,  would  be  out  of  business,  but,  strange  as 
it  may  seem,  it  is  extremely  difficult  to  convince  the  average 
person  that  he  has  been  duped  or  tricked;  many  conclusive 
arguments  will  be  advanced  that  it  was  an  utter  impossibihty ; 
that  the  person  visited  had  never  seen  him  before,  nevertheless 
he  was  the  recipient  of  numerous  truthful  statments  pertain- 
ing to  intimate  family  history,  individual  self  and  absolute 
possible  prophesies  affecting  the  future. 

Here  is  where  another  hidden  angle  of  the  case  enters: 
A  hustling,  up-to-date  spiritualist  does  not  work  alone,  but  has 
several  accomplices  or  "cappers" — these  lead  in  the  victims 
and  you  may  be  sure  that  having  lured  a  prospect  to  the 
"chief"  the  personal  history  of  this  party  has  been  pretty 
well  "booked."  A  record,  termed  "The  Blue  Book,"  contains  a 
history  of  valuable  information  in  regard  to  those  having  been 
lined  up  by  spiritualists,  which  data  is  available  to  the  frater- 
nity throughout  the  country.  Perhaps  some  innocent  looking, 
elderly  lady  met  you  several  times  at  the  grave  of  your  soldier 
son,  we  will  say,  for  example,  and  in  time  told  of  her  own  loss 
and  how  she  communicated  with  this  deceased  person  through 
the  aid  of  a  certain  spiritualist,  whose  great  achievements  are 
extolled.  At  once  curiosity  is  aroused  and  the  chances  are 
almost  100  per  cent  of  a  visit  being  paid  in  company  with  your 
acquaintance  of  the  cemetery,  or  through  her  introduction,  in 
which  event  you  will  be  told  a  lot  of  facts  about  yourself  and 
family,  secured  from  the  day  you  were  first  "spotted"  as  a 
prospective  customer  by  the  "capper."  N9t  realizing  that  the 
woman  could  possibly  be  in  league  with  the  faker,  and  when 
confronted  with  so  much  truth  about  herself,  it  is  small  won- 
der that  the  mind  is  easily  swayed.  Further  calls  will  un- 
doubtedly be  made,  various  information  imparted  and  perhaps 
the  privilege  of  witnessing  your  deceased  son  "materialized" 
and  the  carrying  on  of  a  conversation  with  him,  through  the 

12  z 


ON    THE    OTHER    SIDE    OF   THE    FOOTLIGHTS 


medium.  During  this  time  you  will  incidentally  be  making 
donations,  perhaps  large  ones^  for  what  mother,  after  being 
convinced  of  the  genuinesness  of  the  medium,  would  not  give 
almost  any  earthly  possession  to  hold  communication  with  her 
departed  daughter,  son  or  husband.  This  is  only  one  of 
multitudinous  artifices  adopted,  and  if  not  led  into  the  folds 
as  a  believer  in  this  manner,  you  will  be  landed  in  another,  as 
the  methods  of  procedure  vary  according  to  the  most  vulner- 
able approach  offered  by  different  individuals,  such  as  playing 
on  the  sympathy,  vanity,  knowledge,  etc. — any  course  that 
offers  the  least  resistance  to  advances  of  the  wily  faker. 

The  cappers  mentioned  above  also  greatly  assist  at  seances, 
aiding  in  working  up  enthusiasm  and  partial  hysteria,  likewise 
preventing  interference  with  the  worker  from  those  who 
might  become  imbued  with  curiosity  as  to  various  actions  or 
details  of  some  presented  phenomena. 

Probably  a  volume  could  be  written  on  this  phase  of  the 
situation  alone,  but  we  will  advance  to  the  actual  inside  work- 
ings of  the  professional  and  allow  the  reader  to  learn  what  a 
very  simple  matter  it  is  to  get  possession  of  desired  informa- 
tion in  various  ways  "even  when  you  carry  the  slip  of  paper 
in  your  glove."  Manifestations  that  appear  supernatural  to 
the  uninitiated,  when  witnessed  with  the  clarity  of  vision  ob- 
tained through  true  and  definite  knowledge,  stripped  of  the 
glamour  of  heavily  perfumed,  costly  draped  and  semi-darkened 
rooms,  stand  forth  as  mere  human  deceptions  or  cleverly  con- 
structed pieces  of  apparatus. 

The  history  of  slate  writing,  as  used  by  fortune  tellers,  etc., 
has  been  well  covered  in  previous  works,  therefore,  in  this 
respect,  will  confine  myself  merely  to  the  more  later  and  con- 
vincing methods — ones  causing  even  an  intelligent  person  to 
cast  aside  the  thought  of  trickery.  In  other  psychic  effects 
the  field  has  not  been  entirely  covered ;  only  the  more  essential 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

and  commonly  used  tricks  or  effects  have  been  explained ;  some 
possess  certain  special  devices  which  are  capitalized  and  every 
year  sees  the  introduction  of  new  or  the  arrangement  of  old 
ones ;  when  a  system  of  fraud  or  article  of  use  is  exposed  it  is 
supplanted  by  another  and  better. 

In  conclusion:  Should  you  at  some  time  have  frequented 
a  seance,  either  through  idle  curiosity,  or  in  good  faith,  re- 
member if  you  can  the  demonstrations  enacted,  then  after 
reading  this  volume  visualize  again  the  occurrences:  How 
simple  it  all  was  and  how  easily  to  be  accomplished  through 
the  methods  explained  in  the  following  pages. 

DR.  X. 

April  14,  1922. 


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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE 
FOOTLIGHTS 

ROPE  TIES: 

UNDER  this  caption  but  little  space  will  be  consumed,  due 
to  the  fact  that  escapes  from  ropes,  handcuffs  and  other 
restraints  have  been  thoroughly  explained  in  various  magic 
books;  further,  in  these  modern  days  it  is  a  ruse  but  little 
adopted  by  spiritualists,  though  the  Davenport  Brothers  of 
bygone  fame  specialized  in  diiferent  methods  of  escape,  the 
rapidity  with  which  executed  being  attributed  to  aid  lent  by 
invisible  spirit  hands.  Occasionally  a  modern  worker  resorts 
to  ties,  thereby  enhancing  the  effect  to  be  produced. 

All  these  methods  of  trussing  up  or  tieing  certain  portions 
of  the  body  are  in  effect  nothing  but  trick  ties.  Slack  is 
secured  here  and  there,  or  a  tie  cannot  be  accomplished  without 
leaving  a  slip-knot  at  the  conclusion,  and  the  more  material 
employed,  the  easier  the  escape.  Hempen  rope  is  never  used, 
but  a  variety  of  stiff  cord,  with  which  it  is  almost  impossible  to 
secure  a  hard  knot;  it  is  easy  to  slip  a  knot  along  same  and 
it  can  be  stretched  enough  to  gain  the  necessary  slack  when  the 
form  of  tie  so  requires. 

That  this  is  trickery  or  that  mere  human  traits  enter  into 
the  execution  of  releases  can  best  be  verified  by  calling  atten- 
tion to  escapes  presented  before  the  public  by  our  late  Harry 
Kellar,  Harry  Houdini,  Hardeen,  The  Great  Blackstone  and 
other  lesser  lights  too  numerous  to  mention.  These  gentle- 
men have  submitted  to  ties  that  would  make  the  Davenport 
Brothers  blush  with  shame  at  their  accomplishments;  the 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

work  was  done  on  a  lighted  stage,  likewise  the  escape,  which 
took  but  a  few  minutes  at  the  most  to  effect. 

Therefore  should  you  witness  phenomenal  events  transpire 
while  a  party  is  apparently  securely  strapped  in  a  chair, 
etc.,  and  at  the  finish  is  still  in  that  condition,  do  not  put  too 
much  credence  into  any  statement  made  setting  forth  his  in- 
ability to  have  taken  part  in  such  happenings.  The  hands 
only  need  be  released,  which  is  done  in  a  space  of  short  dura- 
tion, they  are  again  reinserted  into  the  loops  or  folds,  drawn 
tight,  and  it  appears  to  the  neophyte  that  the  individual  has 
been  helplessly  bound  throughout. 

BLINDFOLDS: 

To  the  average  person  a  bHndfold  on  an  individual  renders 
the  wearer  incapable  of  visualizing  events  that  may  transpire, 
but  such  is  far  from  being  the  case.    Again  deception  enters. 

A  folded  handkerchief  placed  over  the  eyes  renders  sight 
straight  ahead  an  impossibility,  but  it  does  not  prevent  look- 
ing down  the  nose  and  viewing  actions  that  take  place  within 
this  range  of  vision.  Thus  a  reader  so  treated,  while  sitting 
at  a  table,  has  complete  knowledge  of  writing  on  cards,  etc., 
placed  at  or  near  its  edge.  Occasionally  a  kid  glove  will  first 
be  laid  over  the  optics,  this  in  turn  being  held  in  place  by  a 
handkerchief  or  cloth — the  result  is  not  altered,  however;  in 
fact,  it  is  simplified,  the  glove,  being  stiff,  holds  cloth  further 
away  from  the  eyes.  Should  it  be  a  little  low,  a  wrinkling  of 
nose  and  forehead  will  raise  sufficiently  to  not  inconvenience 
the  wearer. 

At  times  it  is  necessary  that  sight  straight  ahead  be 
secured,  thus  an  ordinary  blind  would  not  suffice,  but  the 
obstacle  is  easily  and  simply  overcome  through  the  use  of  a 
trick  bandage.    To  ordinary  appearances  it  is  a  folded  cloth'  of 

16 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


several  thicknesses,  but  what  the  observer  cannot  discern  is 
the  square,  fitting  over  one  eye,  where  the  folds  have  been  cut 
away,  leaving  only  two  thin  layers  of  cloth,  the  vision  of  one 
eye  thereby  not  being  affected. 

Numerous  devices  are  employed:  These  few  remarks  are 
merely  to  inform  the  uninitiated  that  a  blindfold  is  not  always 
what  it  appears. 

SEALED  ENVELOPE  READING: 

The  backbone  of  spiritism,  fortune  telling,  crystal  gazing 
and  various  incidental  psychic  effects  is  the  transmitting  to 
the  asker  of  information  in  regard  to  a  query  written  by  him- 
self and  sealed  in  a  container.  In  some  cases  the  question  is 
folded  and  securely  tucked  away  about  one's  person. 

Unless  the  performer  be  endowed  with  clairvoyant  or 
supernatural  powers  it  would,  of  course,  be  impossible  for  him 
to  become  aware  of  the  contents  of  envelopes  or  what  is  con- 
tained on  the  paper  slips  in  another's  possession.  Such  being 
not  the  case,  it  is  necessary  that  this  data  be  secured  in  a 
manner  v/hich  will  arouse  no  suspicion  or  thought  of  trickery ; 
on  the  contrary,  leading  to  the  belief  that  he  must  be  endowed 
with  powers  beyond  those  of  ordinary  mortals. 

When  a  question  is  written  by  the  average  person  and  con- 
cealed by  himself  while  performer  is  not  possibly  within  read- 
ing distance,  very  little  misleading  talk  is  indulged  in,  for  on 
the  face  of  this  operation  the  writer  is  satisfied  that  he  alone 
knows  what  has  been  asked.  When  written,  sealed  in  an 
envelope  and  then  collected  by  performer  or  his  assistant,  some 
suspicion  might  be  attached  to  this  action,  which  is  overcome 
by  the  logical  arguments  advanced.  A  basic  or  commonly 
used  excuse  is  that  performer  collects  the  messages  to  protect 
himself  in  case  of  denial,  it  being  then  only  necessary  to  open 

17 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

envelope  and  verify  the  correctness  of  what  is  contained 
therein. 

One  of  average  intelligence  would  reason  that  if  the  gazer, 
clairvoyant,  or  medium  is  capable  of  conveying  information 
sealed  away  in  envelopes,  why  can  he  not  transmit  the 
thought  concentrated  upon  without  such  a  procedure;  conse- 
quently the  opening  talk  of  a  crystal  gazer,  or  other,  is  some- 
thing along  the  lines  of  that  quoted  below: 

" I  desire  you  to  write  your  questions  upon  the  slips 

of  paper  handed  out  for  your  convenience,  or,  stationery  of 
your  own  is  entirely  satisfactory;  in  any  event,  kindly  sign 
your  name  in  full,  seal  in  the  envelope  also  passed  out — in  your 
own  container  if  desired,  and  hand  to  my  assistant  who  will 
pass  amongst  the  audience.  These  envelopes  will  be  brought 
upon  the  platform,  remaining  in  full  view  throughout  my  ex- 
periments. 

"The  only  reason  I  des,ire  to  have  each  one  write  out  his 
question  is  this:  By  so  doing  you  unconsciously  concentrate 
upon  it,  storing  this  message  away  in  the  subconscious  mind 
where  it  is  later  more  easily  recalled  and  transmitted  to  my- 
self. Some  times  persons  have  denied  writing  a  question  that 
I  have  answered,  but  knowing  what  was  concentrated  upon — 
that  I  was  right,  it  was  necessary  to  open  the  envelope  and  con- 
vince my  audience  of  the  truth  of  these  statements;  that  is 
the  reason  they  are  brought  upon  the  stage,  though  neither 
myself  nor  my  assistant  approach  near  them.  Further,  I  desire 
to  impres,s  upon  you  that  I  am  not  a  mind  reader — this  is 
merely  thought  transmittance  and  should  your  name  be  called 
out,  kindly  concentrate  strongly  upon  the  question  you  have 
written ;  I  in  turn  will  endeavor  to  transmit  the  various  visions 
as  appear  to  me,  etc." 

Following  is  a  description  of  the  most  effective  and  also  the 

18 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

modern  routines  employed  in  securing  information  contained 
on  question  blanks : 

Alcohol  Method: 

This  is  one  of  the  oldest  methods  known  to  the  faker  and 
used  extensively  for  many  years  throughout  the  country  in 
various  forms  of  presentation. 

Small  cards  were  passed  out  to  audience  with  a  request 
that  the  message  be  briefly  written  and  the  name  affixed 
thereto.  Performer  himself  distributed  cards,  at  the  same 
time  handing  out  a  soft  lead  pencil ;  he  then  returned  to  plat- 
form, taking  up  a  stack  of  envelopes  of  sufficient  size  to  ac- 
commodate the  cards  and  again  went  amongst  the  audience, 
asking  that  parties  hold  cards  with  writing  side  down,  pre- 
cluding a  possibility  of  his  glimpsing  the  message ;  performer 
handed  the  envelope  to  writer,  face  down,  requesting  that  he 
insert  his  card,  it  being  face  down  the  written  side  was  brought 
against  the  face  of  envelope.  As  soon  as  card  was  partly  in- 
serted it  was  given  into  the  keeping  of  the  writer  who  was 
told  to  seal  and  hold  until  collected :  Should  he  investigate  it 
would  be  apparent  that  the  writing  was  not  discernible 
through  the  envelope.  All  the  messages  having  been  sealed 
they  were  collected  by  performer  and  deposited  on  his  table. 
Picking  up  one,  placing  to  his  forehead  and  apparently  deeply 
concentrating,  a  name  would  be  called  out;  having  received 
acknowledgment  of  this  person's  presence  a  fairly  intelligent 
reply  to  the  actual  question  would  be  transmitted  and  imme- 
diately thereafter  envelope  was  again  given  into  his  keeping, 
perfectly  intact. 

What  actually  transpired  after  the  return  to  stage  was 
this:  In  his  pocket  performer  had  a  small  salve  can,  with  a 
clip  on  the  bottom,  enabling  it  to  be  grasped  between  his 
fingers ;  this  outfit  was  painted  "flesh  color."    Inside  the  can 

19 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

was  a  soft  or  silk  sponge  saturated  with  cologne  spirits.  As 
an  envelope  was  taken  from  table,  the  hand  containing  this 
"fake"  was  passed  over  its  face,  rendering  the  paper  trans- 
parent— and  enclosed  message  was  read  while  being  placed  to 
the  forehead.  The  spirits  evaporated  rapidly,  enabling  a  re- 
turn of  envelope  at  conclusion  of  answer  none  the  v/orse  for 
wear  and  to  all  appearances  just  as  when  picked  up  by  per- 
former. 

In  lieu  of  cologne  spirits,  alcohol  may  be  used,  when  to  this 
is  added  a  couple  of  drops  of  oil  of  cassia  and  incense  burned 
on  platform,  absolutely  no  trace  of  the  alcohol  will  be  apparent 
by  the  sense  of  smell,  a  faint  "punky"  odor  alone  being  notice- 
able ;  thus  the  excuse  for  burning  incense. 

Cards  are  used  so  they  cannot  be  easily  folded — a  message 
so  treated  is  unanswerable,  hov/ever,  the  performer  will  col- 
lect and  ignore  same  when  it  is  reached. 

The  above  method  is  still  in  vogue  but  has  several  draw- 
backs, principally  slowness  of  procedure  and  the  small  amount 
of  information  containable  on  cards. 

A  more  modern  and  suitable  routine,  using  the  alcohol  base, 
is  to  have  a  square  of  one-quarter-inch  felt  fastened  to  a  piece 
of  tin  the  size  of  envelopes  to  be  used ;  after  saturation  it  is 
placed  in  an  envelope  with  face  thereof  removed  and  inserted 
between  two  ordinary  envelopes,  the  whole  placed  at  bottom 
of  ordinary  stack  and  taken  into  audience,  in  which  event  per- 
former makes  sure  that  he  has  several  more  containers  than 
cards;  the  envelopes  are  collected  and  laid  face  down  on  top 
of  those  remaining  in  hand,  then  after  drawing  out  the  ordi- 
nary empty  container  on  top  of  fake  the  face  of  first  collected 
message  lies  against  the  felt;  it  is  necessary  to  draw  the  en- 
velopes from  bottom  of  pile,  a  slight  pressure  moistening  the 
face  and  rendering  message  visible. 

20 


ON    THE    OTHER    SIDE    OF    THE    FOOTLIGHTS 


Wax  Pads: 

Generally  referred  to  as  the  Anna  Eva  Fay  Method.  After 
proper  introduction  a  dozen  or  so  tablets  were  passed  amongst 
the  audience,  the  paper  of  each  sheet  being  perforated  to  allow 
of  a  message  being  written  within  a  certain  space,  this  portion 
removed,  paper  folded  and  placed  out  of  sight.  The  pad  was 
then  passed  along  to  another  seeker  of  information. 

After  completion  of  message  writing  an  assistant  collected 
the  tablets  and  disappeared  at  back  of  theater. 

Instructions  as  to  your  concentration  were  given  by  the 
medium's  manager,  also  a  narrative  of  her  powers,  etc.  She 
then  made  an  appearance,  was  seated  in  a  chair  free  from  any 
outside  connection  or  trickery;  next  a  sheet  was  introduced 
and  used  to  envelope  the  entire  body.  Almost  immediately  a 
name  was  called  out,  the  person  identified  by  manager  as  being 
in  audience,  whereupon  an  answer  was  given  which  the  writer 
acknowledged  as  fitting  his  question.  Balance  of  messages 
were  similarly  treated. 

The  pads  passed  out  are  known  among  the  magic  frater- 
nity as  "wax  pads" — every  second  sheet  has  been  treated  to 
a  parafine  wax  process — the  parafine  rubbed  over  sheet  and 
then  smoothed  off  with  a  knife  blade.  This  sheet  will  appear 
ordinary,  but  v/hen  the  one  above  is  written  on  an  impression 
or  tracing  of  this  chirography  is  left  in  the  wax.  Just  as  soon 
as  assistant  has  them  in  his  possession  they  are  quickly  taken 
to  back  of  stage,  or  dressing  room,  a  black  powder  poured  over 
the  sheets  and  carefully  shook  off  which  develops  impression 
in  the  wax  and  this  in  turn  is  copied  onto  small  cards,  brought 
in  concealed  about  the  medium's  person.  When  enveloped 
with  sheet  the  cards  are  removed  and  through  a  thin  part  of 
this  covering  sufficient  light  enters  to  enable  the  messages  on 
c^rds  to  be  deciphered.    Later  a  rubber  tube  attached  to  back 

21 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

of  chair  was  used  as  a  speaking  tube,  being  superseded  in  turn 
by  the  telephone. 

How  the  answer  really  fits  into  the  question  is  a  matter  of 
hit  and  miss.  Being  aware  of  what  you  want  to  know  the  per- 
former can  be  rather  vague  and  lead  up  in  a  general  way  to 
the  point,  doing  quite  a  bit  of  talking  and  yet  conveying  no 
definite  information;  a  little  pumping  can  be  indulged  in  and 
it  is  quite  necessary  to  take  a  chance  and  guess ;  perhaps  the 
correct  point  is  covered,  or  if  not  "the  impression  is  not  quite 
clear."  The  fact  that  your  name  was  called  out  and  a  fairly 
good  answer  given  to  what  you  actually  desired  to  learn  con- 
vinces an  average  individual  of  the  superhuman  power  pos- 
sessed by  medium,  and  when  relating  the  experience  will  state, 
as  a  rule,  that  she  was  told  just  what  she  wanted  to  know. 
Human  nature  is  such  that  it  passes  over  the  errors,  recol- 
lecting the  truths;  thus  when  a  crystal  gazer,  for  instance, 
hits  the  nail  on  the  head  and  conveys  certain  actual  facts,  his 
wonderful  attainments  are  praised  to  all  the  friends  and  neigh- 
bors: The  public  itself  is  the  best  advertisement  for  an  act 
of  this  nature. 

More  generally  the  performer  works  in  conjunction  with 
an  assistant,  securing  part  of  his  information  before  the  dem- 
onstration or  while  answering  one  batch  of  questions,  thus 
avoiding  the  old-time  system  of  stalling  along  with  a  lengthy 
introduction  while  the  messages  were  being  prepared,  also 
making  recourse  to  the  telephone  book  and  city  directory  pos- 
sible in  search  of  clews.  Following  are  the  methods  employed 
by  the  present  day  workers: 

BACK  OF  HOUSE  STEAL: 

In  the  case  of  crystal  gazers,  especially,  at  entrance  to 
theater  is  a  box  acting  as  a  depository  for  messages.  The 
billing  states  that  you  may  write  your  messages  at  home  on 

22 


ON    THE    OTHER    SIDE    OF    THE    FOOTLIGHTS 

your  own  stationery,  sealing  or  fastening  up  as  desired.  Along 
side  of  this  box  is  placed  a  table  containing  writing  material, 
cards  and  envelopes,  which  is  the  means  of  a  fair  percentage 
of  persons  depositing  their  queries  sometime  before  actual 
appearance  of  gazer. 

An  assistant  from  time  to  time  removes  unobserved  from 
this  box  a  supply  of  envelopes,  carrying  same  around  to  the 
dressing  room  where  they  are  opened  and  the  information 
transferred  onto  cards,  paper  rolls,  etc.,  depending  upon  the 
apparatus  to  be  used,  a  description  of  which  is  given  in  fol- 
lowing pages. 

An  ordinary  envelope  can  be  opened  by  simply  rolling  a 
pencil  or  orange  stick  under  the  flap ;  if  this  does  not  work  an 
application  of  steam  renders  the  operation  easy  of  accom- 
plishment. Where  sealing  wax  is  used,  it  can  be  carefully 
broken,  the  contents  obtained  and  through  the  use  of  a  little 
additional  wax  (a  supply  of  all  colors  are  kept  on  hand),  the 
tampering  with  envelope  is  not  visible.  Generally  these  can 
be  passed  up  entirely;  a  large  proportion  will  be  written  on 
your  own  stationery  and  sealed  in  envelopes  provided,  which 
only  necessitates  opening  of  the  stolen  one  and  resealing  in  a 
duplicate. 

As  the  assistant  or  assistants  finish  with  one  batch  of 
envelopes  they  are  returned  to  the  box  at  entrance  so  that 
when  it  is  eventually  brought  upon  the  stage  and  contents 
placed  in  a  glass  bowl,  or  other  container,  the  absence  of  any 
conspicuous  envelope  or  container  cannot  be  commented  upon. 
At  conclusion  of  performance  the  envelopes  may  be  left  at 
back  of  house  and  the  curious  will  find  them  untampered  ( ?) . 

SWITCHING  IN  AUDIENCE: 

Using  a  system  whereby  the  performer  has  messages  writ- 
ten and  collected  after  his  appearance  it  is  necessary  to  switch 

23 


ON    THE    OTHER    SIDE    OF    THE    FOOTLIGHTS 

the  actual  collected  ones  for  dummies,  these  latter  being 
brought  upon  the  stage,  the  original  taken  to  the  dressing 
room  or  into  the  wings. 

In  this  case  the  queries  are  written  entirely  on  your  own 
paper  and  the  assistant  has  a  batch  of  ''dummies"  in  his  coat 
pocket;  starting  at  the  front  of  theater  and  working  back, 
while  going  from  one  aisle  to  another,  he  nonchalantly  tucks 
the  collected  messages  into  his  coat  pocket,  extracting  a  set  of 
dummies.  As  a  rule  two  assistants  are  used,  one  on  each  side 
of  the  house,  and  after  having  received  and  substituted  mes- 
sages taken  up  in  the  center  aisle,  they  start  again  on  the  side 
aisle  at  front,  repeating  the  operation  of  substitution,  bring- 
ing up  these  dummy  containers  and  deliberately  dropping  into 
a  glass  bowl  or  a  suitable  receiver,  where  they  remain  in  full 
view  of  audience  throughout  the  act. 

In  the  larger  theaters  a  third  assistant  stands  at  back  of 
house,  outside  entrance  doors,  and  as  the  collector  goes  out 
the  door  of  one  aisle  to  enter  another,  he  is  handed  original 
messages  and  in  return  gives  the  collector  a  batch  of  dummies. 

Where  but  a  few  messages  are  taken  up,  the  coat  sleeve 
is  used  to  effect  a  substitution,  taking  place  right  in  the  aisle, 
amongst  audience. 

As  a  matter  of  fact  the  exchange  of  envelopes  may  be  af- 
fected in  the  very  center  of  an  audience;  the  more  deliberate 
the  moves,  the  less  attention  attracted.  That  an  exchange  of 
messages  is  to  take  place  does  not  occur  to  the  audience.  The 
eye  is  easily  deceived,  or  the  picture  transmitted  through  it 
to  the  brain  is  one  of  every  day  occurrence ;  it  is  known  that 
messages  have  been  written;  a  collection  of  same  takes  place 
and  a  batch  of  envelopes  are  brought  onto  platform  and 
deposited  in  plain  view.  This  is  what  the  operator  stated 
would  be  done;  apparently  such  is  the  case — no  thought  of 

24 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

exchange  enters  the  picture  and  deception  is  consequently 
very  easily  obscured  therefrom. 

CHANGING  BAG: 

An  article  bearing  this  professional  name  is  used  at  seances 
and  amongst  small  gatherings. 

In  appearance  it  is  an  ordinary  plush  bag,  4  to  5  inches  in 
diameter  and  8  to  9  inches  in  length,  mounted  on  a  small 
handle.  Into  this  are  dropped  sealed  envelopes  by  members 
of  the  audience  as  assistant  passes  amongst  them.  Without 
leaving  the  room,  at  all  times  being  in  plain  view,  assistant 
goes  up  to  platform  and  dumps  collected  envelopes  from  this 
bag  into  a  basket  or  glass  bowl ;  without  any  person  approach- 
ing the  questions,  medium  proceeds  to  call  out  names  and  con- 
vey impressions  to  the  writers. 

As  an  actual  fact,  the  bag  is  double,  consisting  of  two  inner 
bags,  or  lining,  along  side  of  each  other,  both  mouths  ending 
with  a  wire  frame  from  which  projects  an  arm  running  down 
the  handle  and  securely  fastened  to  the  end  portion,  which 
revolves  in  either  direction,  thereby  bringing  mouth  of  either 
bag  into  opening  frame;  when  brought  into  audience  the 
handle  is  in  such  position  that  an  empty  bag  is  in  view,  the 
second  bag  containing  duplicate  or  dummy  messages  being  in- 
visible. When  final  message  is  deposited,  assistant  returns  to 
platform  and  enroute  gives  a  half  turn  to  the  handle,  which 
action  brings  into  place  the  dummy  messages,  concealing  those 
just  deposited ;  it  is  these  dummies  that  are  placed  in  the  bowl. 
As  the  collection  bag  apparently  has  performed  its  function 
little  thought  is  now  given  it,  but  had  attention  been  paid  to 
the  events  occurring  it  would  have  been  seen  that  the  bag  was 
carelessly  laid  on  a  side  table  and  a  few  moments  later  both 
table  and  bag  carried  off  platform,  there  the  container  was 
reversed,  emptied  of  original  messages,  the  contents  being 

25 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


secured  and  transmitted  to  performer  in  one  of  the  many 
methods  explained  herein. 

CHANGING  BASKET: 

To  accompHsh  practically  the  same  substition  a  basket  is 
sometimes  used  in  Heu  of  a  bag.  In  appearance  it  is  of  reed 
construction,  Hned  with  silk  or  satin  into  which  the  billets  are 
placed  and  immediately  dumped  into  a  container  on  medium's 
table. 

This  piece  of  apparatus  is  specially  prepared,  being  a 
double-bottomed  affair,  the  first  bottom  is  in  two  portions, 
hinged  to  side  of  basket  about  one  inch  above  the  lower  bottom 
and  parting  at  its  center ;  the  under  and  top  sides  are  finished 
the  same  as  interior  and  actual  bottom,  so  that  when  open 
and  against  side  of  basket,  held  in  place  by  a  trigger  arrange- 
ment, its  presence  is  not  apparent:  Tucked  between  the  fake 
and  sides  of  basket  are  dummy  envelopes.  Passing  around, 
assistant  collects  the  originals,  at  completion  of  which  trigger 
is  released,  allowing  the  false  bottom  to  fall  in  place,  bringing 
to  view  duplicate  or  dummy  messages  conceahng  originals, 
and  it  is  these  latter  that  are  deposited  on  the  platform. 

Like  the  bag,  this  basket  is  also  unceremoniously  carried 
off  stage,  and  in  a  few  moments  information  contained  in 
envelopes  is  in  readiness  to  be  imparted  to  performer. 

MIRROR  BOWL: 

Probably  the  most  effective  and  convincing  method  for 
gaining  possession  of  original  messages,  where  presenting  a 
stage  performance,  is  by  the  use  of  above  named  piece  of  ap- 
paratus, whereby  the  assistants  collect  messages,  never  leav- 
ing sight  of  audience,  and  the  original  ones  are  plainly  seen 
to  be  deposited  therein. 

26 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


The  bowl,  while  made  of  glass,  is  specially  prepared:  The 
half  facing  audience  is  unprepared,  but  across  the  middle  of 
bowl,  from  one  side  to  the  other,  and  from  top  to  bottom  is 
inserted  a  mirror,  it  appearing  by  this  insertion  as  a  whole 
vessel;  the  half  back  of  mirror  partition  has  its  bottom  re- 
moved and  a  chute  running  from  this  bottom  off  stage.  It  is 
necessary  in  this  method  to  have  the  bowl  back  on  stage  near 
wings  so  that  the  chute  will  be  invisible. 

After  original  messages  have  been  collected  and  assistants 
approach  platform,  from  the  folds  of  the  uniform  or  clothes 
is  removed  a  bunch  of  "dummy"  envelopes,  being  held  in  the 
same  hand  as  the  collected  missives,  but  separated  by  the 
fingers;  when  dumping  these  envelopes  into  the  bowl  it  is 
screened  by  assistant's  body  and  under  this  cover  the  blanks 
are  dropped  into  front  half  of  bowl,  actual  messages  going  into 
rear  portion  and  thence  down  through  chute  to  an  awaiting 
attendant  in  the  side  wings. 

BOWL  AND  STAND: 

In  connection  with  this  piece  of  apparatus  suspicion  is 
easily  averted.  Envelopes  are  collected,  actually  brought  upon 
platform  and  plainly  seen  to  drop  into  a  brass  bowl  resting 
upon  a  table.  The  seer  pours  alcohol  into  container  and  sets 
fire  to  messages,  thereby  destroying  same;  several  of  the 
billets  are  taken  out  and  seen  to  be  burning;  nevertheless  no 
difficulty  is  experienced  in  securing  necessary  data  as  con- 
tained in  the  originals. 

The  bowl,  of  circular  form,  like  a  Lota,  is  double,  tapering 
from  the  bottom  up  to  neck;  in  partition  formed  by  the  two 
walls  is  inserted  waste  and  blank  messages,  these  being  the 
ones  burned.  The  bowl  is  bottomless,  resting  upon  an  orna- 
mental stand,  which  has  a  corresponding  aperture,  thereby 

27 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

permitting  the  collected  missives  to  go  through  bowl  into 
stand. 

After  messages  are  destroyed  assistant  carries  entire 
paraphernalia  off  stage,  or,  while  the  cremation  is  in  process, 
bowl  is  carefully  placed  upon  another  stand,  the  former, 
with  base,  carried  away  and  original  envelopes  opened. 

The  bowl  may  also  be  rested  upon  a  stand  or  small  table, 
with  a  square  center  leg,  similar  to  those  in  use  by  lodges. 
The  leg  portion  is  hollow  throughout  and  permits  of  the  mes- 
sages, through  a  hole  in  stage  floor,  to  drop  into  a  container 
placed  there;  in  the  latter  effect  it  is  necessary  that  bowl 
should  remain  in  position  until  curtain  is  lowered.  Due  to  the 
fact  that  most  modern  theater  owners  object  to  cutting  holes 
in  stage  floor  it  cannot  always  be  put  into  practice. 

BOWL  AND  TONGS: 

Where  but  few  questions  are  to  be  answered,  or  for  dem- 
onstration purposes,  the  following  is  quite  convincing. 

To  a  casual  observer  the  moves  appear  as  follows:  Per- 
former has  several  questions  written  and  sealed  in  envelopes, 
the  same  being  kept  in  possession  of  writers  until  collected 
by  him.  Advancing  to  each  one  individually,  an  envelope  is 
grasped  by  means  of  a  pair  of  tongs  and,  without  any  false 
or  suspicious  moves,  this  identical  billet  is  dipped  into  a  vase 
in  which  a  fire  burns.  By  means  of  the  tongs  envelope  is 
brought  out  of  vase,  seen  to  be  in  flames  and  dropped  again 
into  the  bowl  of  fire.  The  balance  of  messages  are  so  treated, 
the  idea  being  to  convince  beyond  any  lingering  doubt  that 
contents  of  envelopes  are  not  accessible,  or  have  been  at  any 
time  throughout  the  routine.  Envelopes  are  collected  by 
means  of  tongs  to  preclude  the  possibility  of  substitution,  like- 
wise exhibited  in  flames  to  prove  destruction.  Despite  all  these 

28 


ON    THE    OTHER    SIDE    OF    THE    FOOTLIGHTS 


apparently  fair  and  above  board  moves  the  contents  are  con- 
veyed to  performer  by  an  assistant,  according  to  method 
chosen. 

What  performer  desires  to  impress  upon  the  mind  as 
having  taken  place,  actually  is  not  consummated.  The  mes- 
sages are  collected  fair  enough  and  no  substitution  takes  place, 
but  inside  the  vase  are  two  compartments,  one  containing 
alcohol,  which  accounts  for  flames  issuing  from  bowl,  and 
another  smaller  one,  which  is  detachable,  and  may  be  slid  out 
or  removed  from  the  bowl  at  will. 

Apparent  burning  of  the  envelope  is  nothing  more  or  less 
than  the  alcohol  burning;  itself  is  at  the  most  only  slightly 
scorched,  for  after  being  exhibited  ablaze  for  a  few  seconds  it 
is  inserted  into  the  small  container,  which  action  extinguishes 
the  blaze. 

The  performer  having  disposed  of  those  messages  to  be 
answered  enters  a  discourse  or  explanation  of  what  has  just 
been  done,  during  which  an  assistant  either  carries  off  the  vase 
in  its  entirety  or  steals  out  the  little  container  with  unburned 
envelopes  therein ;  they  are  opened  and,  of  course,  he  is  at  once 
aware  of  the  various  queries,  these  facts  coming  into  per- 
former's possession  by  any  of  the  m.ethods  explained  under 
the  chapter,  "Transmitting  Contents  of  Messages." 

In  parlor  or  office  demonstrations  the  medium  or  clair- 
voyant cannot  always  rely  upon  assistance  from  a  confederate, 
making  it  necessary  that  he  himself  secure  immediate  posses- 
sion of  contents  of  messages,  yet  allowing  questions  to  be 
retained  by  the  writers ;  at  least,  if  this  is  not  the  procedure, 
to  substitute,  or  in  an  unsuspecting  manner  glean  the  desired 
information. 

Where  but  a  single  caller  is  having  an  audience  artifices 
too  numerous  to  mention  may  be  indulged  in,  such  as  exchang- 

29 


ON    THE    OTHER    SIDE    OF    THE    FOOTLIGHTS 


ing  the  message  by  sleight  of  hand  for  a  duplicate,  left  in  plain 
sight  throughout,  while  original  is  opened  on  medium's  knee 
and  there  read,  wax  pads  may  be  used  or  several  now  little 
employed  ruses,  as  mechanical  means  lessen  the  possibility  of 
detection. 

CARBON  TABLE  TOP: 

By  no  means  new,  this  above  named  article  was  formerly 
the  most  deceptive  manner  known  for  securing  possession  of 
written  questions,  eliminating  entirely  any  idea  of  fraud: 
Even  today  it  is  put  into  practice  by  some. 

Coming  into  outer  office  of  the  clairvoyant  a  couple  of 
chairs  and  a  small  round  topped  table  alone  were  visible ;  upon 
ringing  a  bell  the  seer,  who  generally  worked  alone,  made  his 
appearance,  stating  he  v/as  at  present  busy  but  to  write  out 
whatever  questions  you  desired  answered  and  to  sign  your 
name  thereto,  this  paper  to  be  secured  about  your  person.  A 
piece  of  paper  and  a  pencil  were  laid  on  the  table  top  and  he 
disappeared  into  the  other  room.  A  few  minutes  later,  being 
summoned  into  this  second  office,  the  fortune  teller  seated 
you  opposite  himself  at  a  small  table,  requesting  that  he  be 
allowed  to  hold  a  handkerchief,  glove  or  other  article  used 
personally.     After  a  minute  or  so  of  deep  concentration  he 

would  state:     "Now,  Miss  (calling  you  by  name), 

please  think  intently  of  your  troubles,  etc.,"  whereupon  he 
would  proceed  to  give  advice  or  answers  to  the  query  or  queries 
written  by  yourself  in  outer  office,  after  which  you  were  dis- 
missed through  a  private  exit. 

By  means  of  the  table  a  duplicate  of  your  message  was 
secured.  The  center  leg  was  hollow  and  a  small  hole  bored  in 
center  of  table  top ;  in  floor  was  a  similar  hole,  under  base  of 
table,  which  allowed  communication  with  a  room  underneath. 
Over  the  top  of  table  had  been  placed  a  piece  of  fine  white 

30 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

silk,  the  center  tucked  into  hole  in  tabletop,  and  by  means  of 
a  cord  affixed  thereto  the  silk  could  be  drawn  down  through 
this  leg  into  room  below.  When  in  readiness,  the  silk  was 
spread  out  smoothly  on  table,  over  which  was  placed  an  oil 
cloth  covering,  its  underside  having  been  covered  with  a  good 
quality  of  light  impression,  or  carbon  paper,  and  held  in  place 
by  thumb  tacks  along  its  edges. 

There  was  no  other  place  to  write,  naturally  your  query 
was  composed  on  table  where  the  blank  piece  of  paper  had 
carelessly  been  laid,  making  an  imprint  on  the  silk.  In  all 
probabilities  no  one  was  present  in  the  second  office,  but  it  was 
necessary  for  faker  to  go  downstairs  from  this  office  and 
after  a  duration  of  time  sufficient  to  enable  your  completion  of 
message,  draw  down  silk  and  become  aware  of  your  name  and 
the  contents  of  message. 

Why  you  were  led  out  a  private  exit  should  be  apparent; 
he  was  busy  when  you  entered  and  no  one  left  through  the 
outer  office. 

While  very  convincing  this  procedure  had  its  drawbacks — 
that  of  using  several  tables  and  the  work  of  preparing  in  readi- 
ness for  each  caller. 

THE  INK  BOTTLE: 

In  this  method,  upon  being  ushered  into  the  presence  of 
medium  or  clairvoyant,  you  were  seated  at  a  desk  containing 
ink  bottles,  writing  material,  etc.  A  piece  of  paper  was  handed 
you  with  a  request  that  thereon  be  placed  what  was  troubling 
you  or  information  desired,  your  name  signed  thereto,  folded 
over  and  rolled  into  a  compact  parcel  to  prevent  any  prying 
eyes  discovering  the  contents.  Medium  advanced  to  another 
part  of  the  room,  turning  his  back  so  as  to  relieve  any  thought 
that  your  writing  would  be  visible  to  him :    On  completion  of 

31 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


instructions  received  he  returned  to  table,  taking  a  position 
opposite  you  at  the  table,  removing  cork  from  a  small  ink 
bottle,  asking  that  you  insert  message  therein ;  the  cork  was 
replaced;  a  request  was  made  that  you  concentrate  upon  the 
information  desired,  during  which  time  medium  carelessly 
fumbled  with  ink  bottle  and  in  a  few  seconds  called  you  by 
name  and  divulged  the  information  requested,  or  at  least  gave 
some  kind  of  an  answer  to  the  questions  actually  asked. 

The  message  itself  came  into  performer's  possession  by 
means  of  this  innocent  looking  ink  bottle,  which,  however,  was 
not  just  what  it  appeared  on  the  surface. 

These  trick  bottles  are  made  of  wood,  painted  black  and 
ornated  with  a  genuine  label,  passing  inspection  before  the 
eyes  of  the  most  critical.  A  hole,  the  diameter  of  neck,  is  bored 
through  bottle  and  therein  is  inserted  a  piece  of  brass  tubing, 
painted  black  both  inside  and  out.  The  action  of  removing 
cork  does  not  alter  the  appearance  of  commonness  and  the 
message,  apparently  placed  in  an  ordinary  empty  bottle,  really 
goes  into  this  brass  tubing.  While  toying  with  bottle  it  is 
drawn  close  to  edge  of  table,  allowing  of  this  tubing  being 
dropped  into  palm  of  hand,  or  into  lap;  While  the  moving 
about  is  continued  with  one  hand,  the  other  opens  your  mes- 
sage on  knee  and  contents  are  read  while  apparently  con- 
centrating, the  eyes  being  lowered;  in  some  cases  protected 
by  the  hand  which  acts  as  a  shield,  covering  the  direction  of 
vision. 

To  heighten  this  deception  most  operators,  after  reading 
slip,  refolded,  worked  into  tube  and  thence  into  bottle,  so  at 
conclusion  of  reading  the  cork  could  once  again  be  removed 
and  your  original  message  handed  back. 

THE  CLIP  BOARD: 

The  article  described  herewith  is  the  most  ingenious  for 

32 


ON    THE    OTHER    SIDE    OF    THE    FOOTLIGHTS 

obtaining  copies  of  messages  yet  to  be  devised.  What  is 
passed  out  to  the  reader  or  to  members  of  audience  appears 
to  be  an  ordinary  cHp  file  board,  procurable  at  any  stationery 
store  and  in  general  use  in  most  offices,  as  it  not  only  holds  a 
quantity  of  miscellaneous  bills,  receipts,  etc.,  but  permits  writ- 
ing with  its  aid  to  be  readily  accomplished. 

The  genuine  article  is  constructed  of  a  quarter-inch  board 
about  9x13  inches  in  size ;  at  the  top  is  screwed  a  large  clip  by 
which  papers  are  held  in  place:  The  one  used  by  mediums 
and  others,  while  resembling  in  appearance,  varies  greatly  in 
construction. 

Procure  a  clip  as  is  used  on  these  boards,  also  a  quantity 
of  wall  paper  representing  grained  oak,  which  has  the  actual 
appearance  of  wood,  especially  if  after  completing  apparatus 
a  thin  coat  of  shellac  is  appHed  over  all.  Make  a  half-jnch 
wooden  frame  approximately  9x13  inches,  leaving,  however, 
a  margin  of  1  inch  at  the  bottom  and  2  inches  at  top,  where 
clip  is  fastened ;  a  panel  is  next  cut,  which  fits  snugly  into  the 
frame,  being  held  in  place  by  invisible  hinges  and  secured  by 
a  screw  eye,  ostensibly  placed  for  hanging  up  the  board. 

The  top  side  of  board  is  covered  with  a  piece  of  tightly 
drawn  oak-grained  paper,  likewise  the  back  sfde,  but  a  label 
is  used  to  cover  hinged  portion  of  panel.  With  a  few  daubs 
of  paste  a  piece  of  carbon  paper  is  fastened  to  front  of  oak- 
grained  paper,  on  the  inside,  and  on  panel  is  secured  a  piece  of 
plain  white  paper.  Fastening  clip  in  place  completes  the 
board. 

It  can  readily  be  seen  that  if  anything  is  written  on  face 
of  board,  a  copy  thereof  will  be  transferred  to  the  sheet  on 
inside  of  hinged  panel. 

Professionally  used  in  a  theater,  several  clip  boards  with 
perforated  sheets  are  passed  out,  similar  to  the  method  em- 

33 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

ployed  with  "wax  pads ;"  as  one  person  fills  up  a  slip,  it  is  torn 
off  and  kept  by  them,  the  board  being  passed  on  to  the  next. 
At  conclusion,  boards  are  collected  by  an  attendant  and  the 
messages  either  removed  at  back  of  theater,  or  a  substitution 
affected,  duplicate  boards  being  carried  upon  stage,  remaining 
throughout  performance  and  fake  boards  taken  to  dressing 
room  where  the  messages  are  secured. 

In  the  case  of  a  medium,  where  a  single  sitter  is  answered 
at  a  time,  he  or  she  is  handed  a  slip  of  paper  and  requested  to 
write  a  message ;  to  facilitate  this  action  the  board  is  handed 
out,  which  may  have  a  few  receipted  bills  under  clip  to  further 
banish  suspicion.  While  the  caller  is  engaged  in  filling  out 
his  slip  medium  walks  to  another  part  of  the  room,  paying  no 
attention  to  his  visitor  until  message  has  been  finished  and 
concealed;  the  board  is  taken  and  laid  to  one  side  on  a  small 
table  back  of  the  seeker  for  information. 

A  copy  of  message  is  inside  the  board  and  it  becomes 
necessary  for  medium  to  gain  possession  without  attracting 
attention:  To  accomplish  a  routine  similar  to  that  described 
below  is  followed: 

Picking  up  a  crystal  performer  walks  around  room,  con- 
centrating therein;  advancing  to  sitter  he  stands  behind  his 
chair,  within  reach  of  the  clip  board ;  handing  crystal  to  visitor 
a  request  is  made  that  he  concentrate  upon  his  question  while 
gazing  into  the  sphere.  The  worker  keeps  one  hand  on  the 
back  or  head  of  sitter,  the  other  reaching  over,  securing  pad, 
opening  flange  and  reading  carbon  copy  now  exposed  to  his 
view.  The  information  can  then  be  transmitted  to  sitter, 
either  by  performer  taking  back  crystal,  or  by  both  gazing 
into  its  depths. 

TRANSMITTING  CONTENTS  OF  MESSAGES: 

A  major  portion  of  the  methods  explained  are  in  vogue,  or 

34 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

have  at  some  time  been  used  by  crystal  gazers ;  many  of  these 
systems  were  put  to  use  by  mediums  or  fortune  tellers,  how- 
ever, this  chapter  dwells  principally  with  the  professional 
gazer,  who  in  reality  creates  more  mystery  than  a  medium  as 
he  works  on  a  lighted  stage,  surrounded  by  hundreds  of  people, 
walks  around  unrestrained,  in  full  view  of  all,  and  even  comes 
down  amongst  his  audience.  The  answers  may  or  may  not  fit 
the  exact  question  asked;  the  same  procedure  as  explained 
under  "Wax  Pads"  holds  good  in  all  these  methods;  further, 
it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  only  the  asker  actually  knows 
the  contents  of  this  individual  message ;  the  balance  of  several 
hundred  hear  a  lot  of  information  imparted,  which  may  not 
directly  fit  into  the  question,  or  be  somewhat  evasive,  and  take 
it  for  granted  that  he  is  indeed  a  reader  of  minds  and  a 
prophesier,  especially  in  view  of  the  fact  that  seldom,  even 
when  imparted  information  is  not  correct,  will  a  denial  be 
forthcoming  from  a  writer. 

DIRECT  CONNECTION  TELEPHONE: 

The  telephone  system  has  been  used  more  than  any  of  the 
various  methods ;  it  is  the  simplest  in  operation  and  dispenses 
with  a  least  amount  of  delay.  Its  principle  is  that  of  an  ordi- 
nary telephone  in  daily  use. 

Up  in  the  wings,  organ  loft,  a  booth,  or  in  some  spot  where 
operator  thereof  can  keep  performer  in  view,  and  still  be  in- 
audible, is  located  a  set  of  three  dry  batteries  and  a  sending 
instrument.  On  the  stage  is  placed  a  rug,  which  is  interwoven 
with  fine  wire,  two  different  series  being  used  in  order  to  form 
a  positive  and  negative  pole,  the  wire  from  one  pole  leads  off 
stage,  or  dov/n  under  stage  to  one  part  of  the  sending  instru- 
ment or  mouthpiece,  from  the  opposite  side,  or  positive  pole 
another  wire  connects  with  the  batteries  and  thence  to  mouth- 
piece. 

35 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


Receiving  instruments  are  fastened  in  turban  used  by  per- 
former, being  in  such  a  position  that  they  will  fit  over  the  ears, 
though  generally  but  one  ear-piece  is  utilized,  the  wires  from 
ear-pieces  come  together  inside  turban  and  hang  slightly 
below  it,  ending  with  a  plug  arrangement,  which  is  concealed 
by  a  broad  ribbon  at  back  of  turban ;  The  performer's  shoes 
have  a  brass  plate  on  the  sole,  to  which  is  attached  from 
inside  a  small  copper  wire;  this  covered  v/ire  leads  up  each 
leg,  joining  on  the  back  and  coming  out  at  neck,  where  receiv- 
ing part  of  the  plug  is  loaded.  When  head-piece  is  in  place, 
plug  connected  at  back  of  neck  and  performer  stands  on  rug 
with  one  foot  on  a  positive  pole  and  the  other  on  a  negative, 
he  is  making  a  direct  connection,  thereby  enabling  him  to  hear 
anything  spoken  into  transmitter  or  mouthpiece.  He  may 
walk  about  on  the  carpet  and  as  long  as  his  shoes  make  con- 
nection through  two  separate  poles,  is  in  direct  touch  with  the 
sender.  One  object  of  this  plug  at  back  of  neck  is  to  enable 
performer  to  remove  head-piece  when  switching  to  another 
method,  thus  averting  any  suspicion  on  the  part  of  those  who 
might  be  somewhat  familiar  with  this  telephone  method. 

Some  performers  run  rugs  up  to  edge  of  steps  leading  into 
audience  and  even  down  the  aisles,  enabling  them  to  move 
about  with  perfect  freedom. 

INDUCTION  SYSTEM: 

Practically  identical  with  the  above  explained  version,  but 
more  limited  to  use  as  performer  has  to  keep  within  a  certain 
radius  of  the  coils  laid  under  rugs  or  about  stage.  A  great  deal 
of  wire  is  necessary  to  manufacture  these  induction  coils 
and  the  only  gain  is  through  performer  dispensing  with  copper 
plated  shoes  and  body  wires,  all  necessary  apparatus  being 
concealed  in  turban  or  upon  the  operator's  back. 

Experience  has  shown  that  wireless  or  induction  method 

36 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

is  not  as  reliable  as  direct  connection,  the  professional  adher- 
ing to  the  former. 

At  this  time  experiments  are  being  conducted  with  a  phase 
of  wireless,  dispensing,  however,  with  induction  coils,  which 
when  perfected  will  permit  performer,  carrying  a  small 
amount  of  apparatus  concealed  about  his  person,  to  cover  the 
entire  area  of  a  hall  or  theater  and  still  be  within  hearing  dis- 
tance of  his  sending  operator. 

It  is  advisable  that  the  sender  be  located  in  such  a  position 
that  performer  is  at  all  times  within  his  range  of  vision, 
whereby  a  prearranged  signal  or  certain  ordinary  move  or 
gesture  denotes  that  another  message  should  be  transmitted, 
a  practiced  performer  being  able  to  talk  and  receive  at  the 
same  time,  thereby  dispensing  with  any  delay  between  the 
finish  of  one  answer  and  the  start  of  another. 

THE  BLACKBOARD  METHOD: 

In  presenting  the  blackboard  system  the  only  requirement 
necessary  for  accomphshment  was  that  stage  or  platform  be 
suppHed  with  wings  (entrances  off  stage),  whereby  a  person 
standing  therein  would  be  invisible  to  audience,  yet  within 
range  of  vision  of  the  gazer. 

When  first  appearing  it  was  the  most  puzzling  of  any 
methods  heretofore  known,  the  crystal  gazer  not  being  re- 
stricted as  to  wearing  apparel,  had  nothing  concealed  about 
his  body,  used  an  ordinary  crystal  and  walked  unhampered 
about  stage. 

In  actual  operation  it  was  extremely  simple,  but  like  all 
things  in  magic,  the  simpler  the  method  of  operation  the  more 
puzzling  the  result.  In  front  wings  an  assistant  with  messages 
in  his  possession  wrote  same  out  on  a  large  blackboard,  per- 
former walking  about  stage  and  apparently  gazing  into  his 

37 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OP  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

crystal,  in  reality  reading  from  blackboard ;  when  the  contents 
of  one  message  was  conveyed  to  performer  and  while  quoting 
his  answer,  assistant  erased  former  message  ,writing  in  an- 
other. By  memorizing  two  or  three,  operator  would  walk  into 
audience,  convincing  even  the  most  doubting  of  his  ability  to 
gaze  into  the  past,  present  and  future.  If  desired  two  assist- 
ants could  handle  the  messages,  one  being  on  right  hand  of 
side  of  stage  and  the  other  on  left.  At  this  time,  or  during 
any  part  of  his  performance,  regardless  of  methods  used,  to 
overcome  delays,  possible  short-circuits,  etc.,  questions  were 
faked ;  that  is  an  imaginary  name  was  called  out ;  apparently 
some  party  in  back  of  house  held  up  hand  or  acknowledged 
their  presence  and  an  answer  as  seen  fit  transmitted  to  this 
imaginary  person;  with  a  little  nerve  several  questions  can 
be  so  handled.  I  know  of  gazers  having  their  apparatus  fail 
and  resort  to  faking  the  entire  set  of  answers,  but  this  is  a 
risky  procedure. 

In  order  to  make  a  lasting  impression  upon  those  present 
it  is  customary  to  employ  "plants" — certain  persons  hired  by 
the  performer  who  will  endeavor  to  trip  him  up  without  avail, 
or  to  whom  some  startling  information  will  be  imparted ;  again 
the  exact  location  of  some  lost  article  may  be  stated;  they 
are  used  in  various  ways,  generally  for  publicity  tests.  Not 
all  crystal  gazers  stoop  to  this  practice,  nor  is  it  necessary  in 
the  case  of  a  good  showman. 

CUSHION  AND  CRYSTAL: 

For  the  amateur  gazer,  or  one  caring  to  expend  only  a  small 
sum  of  money,  a  very  creditable  showing  can  be  accomplished 
by  means  of  the  cushion  and  crystal  arrangement. 

Performer's  assistant  carries  in  a  crystal  of  any  nature,  or 
a  small  inverted  bowl  will  answer  the  purpose,  which  reposes 
on  a  cushion,  preferrably  of  a  plaid  or  mixed  cloth  variety  of 

38 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


cover;  in  right  hand  is  concealed  a  stack  of  small  cards  con- 
taining copied  information  from  original  queries;  the  cushion 
and  crystal  are  placed  on  a  small  table  or  tabouret,  and  while 
straightening  into  position  cards  are  left  on  cushion  out  of 
sight  behind  crystal  or  gazing  ball.  Performer  seats  himself 
behind  table  and  after  reading  top  card,  in  act  of  wiping  ball 
with  velvet  or  piece  of  silk,  turns  over  this  card,  exposing 
another  message.  '    {j 

The  pillow  and  crystal  may  rest  near  edge  of  table,  to 
which  is  attached  a  drawer-like  arrangement,  or  shelf  below 
top  of  table,  professionally  termed  "a  servante,"  into  which 
the  cards  are  dropped. 

A  small  pocket  arrangement  can  also  be  made  in  covering 
of  pillow  into  which  the  finished  cards  are  inserted. 

READER  STAND: 

A  progressive  entertainer  switches  his  methods  through- 
out, going  from  one  routine  to  another,  thereby  keeping  his 
audience  continually  deceived  as  to  a  possible  mode  of  oper- 
ation; many  who  know  some  of  the  older  methods  are  also 
thrown  off  the  track. 

While  performer  is  demonstrating  his  ability,  using  a  cer- 
tain piece  of  apparatus  or  system,  an  attendant  brings  in  a 
stand,  upon  which  the  crystal  is  later  rested,  and  questions 
answered  while  it  remains  in  this  position. 

These  stands  are  about  5i/^  feet  over  all,  so  that  when 
crystal  is  in  place  it  is  about  on  a  level  with  one's  eyes.  The 
base  or  pedestal  is  similar  to  a  piano  or  floor  lamp  stick,  sur- 
mounted by  an  ornamented  triangular  rest  for  gazing  ball. 
This  stand  itself  appears  to  audience  as  triangular,  but  the 
rear  portion  is  flat,  with  a  holder,  containing  a  card  filled  out 
with  names  and  messages  by  an  assistant,  these  being  easily 
read  while  apparently  gazing  into  the  crystal. 

39 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

FARO  BOX  HAND  READER: 

A  very  useful  piece  of  apparatus,  one  or  two  being  con- 
cealed about  the  person  at  start  of  performance;  again,  they 
can  be  brought  in  by  an  assistant  under  cover  of  a  handker- 
chief, or  any  small  object. 

These  readers  are  constructed  of  18-gauge  brass,  being 
slightly  over  two  inches  in  length,  one  inch  wide  and  about  the 
same  in  height ;  sides  and  ends  are  made  of  one  piece,  soldered 
together;  the  bottom  piece  protruding  about  a  quarter-inch 
on  each  side  is  then  fastened  in  place.  The  projecting  edges 
are  notched  or  milled  to  permit  of  a  firmer  grasp  being  ob- 
tained on  the  reader;  one  inch  from  end  of  box  is  inserted  a 
partition  or  dividing  wall,  making  a  box  with  two  equal  com- 
partments, a  piece  of  brass  one  inch  square  is  next  cut  and 
affixed  to  a  wire  spring,  this  piece  moving  freely  up  and  down 
inside  the  end  partition  like  an  elevator ;  over  this  end  and  ex- 
tending a  slight  distance  beyond  is  soldered  a  Vs-inch  brass 
strip,  it  being  bent  over  the  sides  to  accomplish  securing  in 
place;  the  spring  is  now  soldered  to  bottom  of  end  partition, 
the  brass  piece  pushed  into  place  beneath  the  i/^-inch  projec- 
tions, which  keep  it  from  flying  out  of  the  box ;  cards  inserted 
in  this  end,  over  the  spring  part,  will  depress  same  and  fifty 
or  more  may  be  accommodated  with  ease. 

Light  cards  1-inch  square  can  be  cut  up  by  any  printer 
and  a  large  supply  of  these  are  kept  on  hand.  Contents  of 
stolen  messages  are  copied  briefly  in  a  small  fine  hand  onto 
cards,  either  before  entrance  on  stage  or  while  performance 
is  in  progress. 

When  adopting  this  device  at  start  of  performance  the  rou- 
tine is  along  following  lines :  Crystal  ball  is  passed  for  exami- 
nation, the  gazer  himself  going  into  audience  to  accomplish; 
in  right  hand  trousers'  pocket,  or  in  pocket  of  uniform  worn 

40 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

is  secreted  a  loaded  hand  reader ;  after  examination  and  return 
of  crystal,  and  while  enroute  to  platform,  the  reader  is  taken 
from  trousers'  pocket,  held  in  right  hand  until  platform  is 
reached,  when  it  is  placed  in  palm  of  left  hand,  being  effec- 
tually hidden  by  the  crystal. 

To  release  cards  the  thumb  or  finger  is  lightly  drawn  across 
their  top,  this  causing  one  card  to  slide  off  into  the  empty  par- 
tition, balance  of  cards  coming  up  flush  with  top,  due  to  the 
spring  action;  these  movements  are  accomplished  while  an- 
swering the  previous  question,  during  which  time  attention  is 
distracted  somewhat  from  performer's  movements. 

When  empty,  reader  is  carried  away  under  a  handkerchief 
or  palmed  out  of  hand  and  a  switch  made  to  a  distinctly  dif- 
ferent routine;  later  this  same  process  can  be  resorted  to, 
especially  in  a  long  program,  or  where  performer  has  but  a 
few  different  means  of  working  at  his  command. 

CONCEALED  READER: 

At  times  a  gazer  will  walk  down  the  aisles  of  the  hall, 
with  or  without  his  turban,  creating  a  doubt  in  the  minds  of 
skeptics  as  to  existence  of  fraud,  should  they  be  in  possession 
of  deceptive  methods  employed  from  time  to  time-  The  use 
of  direct  connection  telephone  has  been  exposed  by  public  per- 
formers, especially  throughout  the  southern  part  of  the  United 
States.  This  led  to  the  adoption  of  mechanical  devices,  or 
an  intermingling  of  the  telephone  with  methods  to  offset. 
For  instance,  we  will  say  that  performance  opened  by  the 
telephone  method,  the  user  walked  down  aisles  into  audience; 
those  witnessing  an  expose  will  immediately  be  positive  that 
the  telephone  is  used;  even  at  times  voicing  their  sentiments 
as  to  what  is  transpiring.  After  several  questions  have  been 
treated  in  this  manner  the  gazer  returns  to  stage,  handing 
turban  to  an  assistant  (assistant  incidentally  tucks  wire  out 

41 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

of  sight  at  back  of  neck,  and  again  walks  into  the  midst  of 
audience,  calling  out  names  and  transmitting  information  in 
answer  to  queries,  being  enabled  to  do  so  by  working  with  a 
concealed  reader. 

This  is  a  small  box  about  the  size  of  the  faro  box  reader, 
generally  less  in  heighth,  but  broader ;  in  each  end  of  this  box 
are  two  reels  and,  traveling  from  one  to  another  is  a  roll  of 
paper,  containing  copied  in  messages.  One  end  of  the  box 
is  secured  to  velvet  used  in  conjunction  therewith,  the  other 
end  open,  enabling  messages  to  be  read  as  the  paper  unwinds 
from  one  reel  and  is  taken  up  on  the  other,  this  winding  proc- 
ess being  accomplished  by  a  milled  gear  on  outside  of  box 
which  the  performer  turns  with  his  thumb  underneath  velvet, 
this  latter  having  a  slit  cut  therein  so  that  messages  can  be 
glimpsed  as  they  roll  up  on  reel;  some  use  a  trap — that  is 
hinged,  stiffened  velvet  acting  as  a  minature  door,  being 
swung  back  so  messages  can  be  read,  or  swung  into  place, 
thereby  enabling  ball  and  velvet  to  be  held  within  a  foot  of 
one's  head  without  anything  suspicious  being  observed.  In 
actual  operation,  velvet  is  first  placed  across  hand,  with  reader 
resting  in  palm  and  crystal  rested  on  tips  of  fingers. 

READER  BALLS: 

In  order  to  dispense  with  the  velvet  or  silk  always  asso- 
ciated with  a  crystal,  methods  were  devised  whereby  the  ball 
could  be  held  at  finger  tips,  and  both  hands  shown  unmis- 
takably empty. 

Probably  the  simplest  constructed  and  least  expensive  is 
the  Reader  Ball,  an  article  first  explained  and  manufactured 
by  myself,  reducing  greatly  the  price  as  compared  to  an  ex- 
penditure necessary  to  procure  a  "mechanical  ball." 

In  spinning  metal  circular  objects,  such  as  gazing  balls, 
they  are  made  in  two  parts ;  thus  a  5-inch  ball  consists  of  two 

42 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

shells  or  half  balls  5  inches  in  diameter  at  their  center ;  inside 
one  shell  is  soldered  a  thin  strip  of  14-in  brass;  second  shell 
is  then  fitted  into  place,  a  slight  mark  being  made  on  rims 
to  insure  the  best  location  as  to  junction;  shell  is  removed, 
soldered  apphed  to  14 -inch  strip,  shell  again  put  in  place  where 
marked  and  sweated  to  the  strip ;  after  polishing  down  a  coat 
of  nickelplate  is  applied — it  is  now  a  gazing  ball. 

Reader  balls  are  constructed  by  taking  one  shell,  cutting 
therein  near  its  wider  part  a  slot  2^x1^8  inches,  inside  this 
shell  is  soldered  a  light  strip  of  brass  in  the  form  of  a  square, 
minus  one  side,  making  a  bracket  inside  about  1  inch  below 
its  surface,  so  that  an  object  inserted  through  projection  will 
not  drop  into  ball. 

A  specially  constructed  faro  box  reader,  having  no  bottom 
on  the  well  portion,  or  side  into  which  cards  drop  when  pulled 
off  their  container,  is  carefully  fitted  into  this  slot  so  that  it 
will  remain  in  place  at  any  angle,  but  can  be  removed  with 
the  fingers  for  loading.  Top  of  fargo  box  is  nickeled,  the  two 
halves  of  ball  sweated  together,  and  given  a  coat  of  nickel- 
plate,  which  completes  the  labor  on  this  article. 

In  practical  application  it  is  necessary,  if  used  at  beginning 
of  performance,  that  messages  are  obtained  in  sufficient  time 
to  permit  of  their  contents  being  copied  into  the  small  cards 
and  placed  in  the  reader ;  otherwise  an  assistant  can  fill  in  the 
information  and  bring  in  reader  ball  later  at  conclusion  of 
different  routine. 

When  cards  have  been  inserted  and  reader  pushed  into  ball 
it  is  ready  for  immediate  action:  This  apparatus  is  held  at 
finger  tips,  with  very  slightly  protruding  reader  towards  your- 
self so  as  not  to  be  visible  to  those  in  balcony  or  boxes.  The 
cards  are  pulled  down  as  with  faro-box  reader  behind  ball,  but 
in  this  case  they  drop  into  the  ball  itself,  eliminating  danger 

43 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

of  expose  by  cards  possibly  falling  out  of  reader  onto  floor, 
which  would  otherwise  be  the  case,  due  to  angle  at  which  held. 

MECHANICAL  BALLS; 

The  latest  addition  to  the  programs  of  modern  crystal 
gazers  and  by  far  the  most  easily  worked  and  useful  piece  of 
apparatus  in  the  whole  category  is  the  one  under  this  caption. 

It  consists  of  a  5-inch  metal  ball ;  inside  of  it,  by  means  of 
gears,  is  rotated  a  wheel  containing  messages,  which  flash  by 
a  small  window  or  slit  cut  in  ball.  There  is  nothing  whatever 
concealed  in  the  hands,  the  rotating  operation  is  caused  by  a 
very  shght  movement  of  thumb  on  projecting  gear  wheel  and 
performer's  movements  are  unlimited ;  by  turning  ball  over  so 
window  rests  in  palm  of  hand  he  may  freely  hold  same  within 
a  few  inches  of  a  spectator's  eyes  without  disclosing  that  it  is 
anything  but  an  ordinary  metal  ball. 

Due  to  the  wonderful  results  obtainable  by  means  of  this 
mechanical  device,  detailed  directions  for  constructing  are 
given,  but  it  should  not  be  attempted  by  a  person  unless  pos- 
sessed of  considerable  mechanical  ability. 

First  secure  the  two  half  shells  (5-inch  ball) — the  collar  or 
band  to  be  used  in  fastening  these  halves  together  is  next 
soldered  in  one  portion;  1/16-inch  brass  braces  for  the  axle  to 
rotate  in  are  fastened  in  ball  two  inches  apart,  so  that  axle 
will  rest  at  exact  center  of  ball.  The  rotating  wheel  should 
be  41/2-inches  in  diameter  by  li/o-inches  wide,  and  for  this  pur- 
pose an  aluminum  wheel  can  be  cast  from  a  castiron  pulley  of 
this  size :  A  pulley  or  iron  company  will  make  one  for  two  or 
three  dollars.  On  one  side  of  axle,  outside  of  brace,  is  fastened 
a  1-inch,  32-tooth  standard  gear  wheel  of  i/g-inch  thickness, 
fitting  into  another  of  the  same  dimensions,  set  in  place  on 
axle-brace  as  shown  in  illustration;  the  latter  wheel  is  ope- 

44 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

rated  by  a  1 1/2-inch  gear-wheel,  being  in  such  position  on  axle- 
brace  that  it  protrudes  very  sHghtly  through  a  slot  cut  in  half 
shell  containing  axle-braces  and  collar.  Slots  are  next  cut  in 
the  braces  as  a  rest  for  axle,  which  is  held  in  place  by  a  clip- 
like device,  allowing  of  the  rotating  wheel  being  lifted  out  of 
shell,  yet  when  locked  preventing  wheel  from  falling  out  of 
brace,  should  the  entire  ball  be  turned  upside  down. 

After  pulley  wheel  has  been  affixed  to  axle,  gears  in  place, 
and  slot  for  permitting  li/o-inch  gear  wheel  to  shghtly  extend 
outside  is  cut,  the  upper  shell  is  fixed  on  collar  and  turned  until 
the  best  fit  is  obtained,  mark  both  halves  of  the  ball  with  a 
lead  pencil  at  corresponding  places  so  that  bayonet  catches 
may  be  placed  in  lower  shell  and  a  "teet"  or  projection  soldered 
in  upper  half,  thereby  securely  holding  the  two  halves  to- 
gether; on  completion  of  this  mark  off  your  window  in  correct 
position  opposite  rotating  wheel  and  about  i/^-inch  above 
center  of  upper  half,  taking  shells  apart  and  cutting  the  win- 
dow slot. 

To  operate :  Messages  are  written  on  a  slip  of  paper,  same 
width  as  wheel,  being  condensed  as  much  as  possible;  this 
strip  is  pasted  to  the  rotating  wheel,  fastened  back  inside  ball, 
shells  put  together,  when  a  very  slight  movement  of  thumb 
will  cause  these  messages  to  rotate  past  the  little  window, 
where  they  are  easily  read  by  operator. 

READING  FROM  FACE  OF  WATCH: 

The  ingenuous  and  versatile  performer  is  constantly  seek- 
ing new  means  and  apparatus  to  throw  skeptics  or  those  pos- 
sessing knowledge  of  common-place  methods  off  the  trail. 

By  writing  in  the  names  and  questions  in  brief  on  a  small 
piece  of  paper  and  lightly  pasting  this  to  the  crystal  of  his 
watch,  or  with  a  hunting  case,  using  crystal,  upper  case,  and 

45 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


even  the  back  one,  at  conclusion  of  performance  the  gazer  still 
had  several  messages  easily  accessible. 

Performer  would  state  that  he  had  exceded  the  time  al- 
lotted to  his  act,  but  would  answer  three  or  four  more  ques- 
tions without  the  use  of  apparatus,  limiting  each  answer  to  a 
space  of  one  minute,  removing  watch  and  apparently  timing 
himself,  but  in  reality  reading  a  message ;  after  answering,  or 
while  conversing,  as  if  to  verify  his  limit,  he  would  again 
glance  at  watch,  securing  another  message.  If  executed  as 
would  be  natural  when  timing  one's  self  there  is  absolutely 
nothing  to  arouse  the  least  suspicion  and  this  watch  method 
has  been  the  means  of  fooling  even  magicians  versed  in  the 
more  widely  employed  routines. 

READING  OFF  CUFF: 

Working  in  evening  dress  the  white  cuff  of  shirt  has  been 
sometimes  used  as  a  container  of  messages.  They  are  written 
quite  small  on  side  of  cuff  nearest  body  when  arm  is  hanging 
at  the  side  in  a  natural  position. 

In  concentrating  the  hand  was  naturally  raised  to  forehead, 
which  action  draws  back  coat  sleeve  and  leaves  the  message 
in  plain  view  a  couple  of  inches  below  level  of  eyes. 

USING  EDGE  OF  ENVELOPE: 

At  times,  to  vary  the  mode  of  procedure,  performer  should 
dispense  entirely  with  apparatus,  stating  that  an  endeavor 
would  be  made  to  concentrate  upon  the  envelopes  themselves. 
This  and  the  following  explained  methods  are  the  most  decep- 
tive in  existence  and  can  be  added  to  the  repertoire  of  a  pro- 
fessional without  hesitation. 

Several  envelopes  are  picked  up  from  basket,  either  by  the 
gazer  or  his  assistant,  one  is  placed  to  his  forehead,  a  name 
called  out,  advice  communicated  to  writer  and,  if  as  to  verify 

46 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


the  correctness  of  his  answer,  he  tears  off  edge  of  envelope, 
reads  message  aloud  and  either  returns  it  to  writer  or  hands 
to  members  seated  near  front  of  hall,  conclusively  proving  that 
he  divined  the  thoughts  of  the  individual  seeking  information. 
The  balance  are  treated  similarly. 

The  procedure  is  simplicity  itself.  Several  messages  con- 
tained in  performer's  own  envelopes  were  opened ;  contents  in 
brief  written  with  a  hard  lead  pencil  along  the  edge  of  a  dupli- 
cate container,  into  which  is  placed  the  message  itself  and 
these  prepared  envelopes  fastened  with  a  small  clip  and  depos- 
ited unnoticed  by  assistant  in  container  within  easy  reach  of 
performer.  In  act  of  placing  to  forehead  the  message  is  read ; 
after  answering,  tearing  off  edge  with  writing  to  extract  con- 
tents destroys  the  evidence,  allowing  of  both  message  and 
envelope  being  returned,  if  so  desired. 

This  is  far  superior  to  reading  one  message  ahead,  a  sys- 
tem familiar  to  even  the  most  untutored  neophyte. 

MARKING  ON  ONE  ENVELOPE: 

For  a  real  brain  teaser  to  even  those  initiated,  the  answer- 
ing of  questions  in  audience  or  on  steps  leading  to  platform, 
immediately  handing  back  unopened  envelope  to  writer,  is 
without  a  peer.  A  well  known  crystal  gazer  caused  much  com- 
ment by  working  along  these  lines. 

Performer  states  he  will  dispense  with  the  aid  of  a  crystal, 
endeavoring  to  concentrate  upon  individual  envelopes,  several 
of  which  he  picks  up  apparently  haphazard  from  bowl  or 
other  container;  standing  on  steps  or  at  bottom  of  same,  one 
of  the  envelopes  was  placed  to  his  forehead  for  a  second,  a 
name  called  out,  envelope  immediately  being  brought  back  by 
an  assistant  to  this  party  upon  acknowledgment  of  his  pres- 
ence, and  an  answer  given  to  his  query.  If  receiver  of  envelope 
opened  it,  inside  would  be  found  his  original  slip. 

47 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

Either  the  assistant  or  performer  himself  prepares  for  this 
very  effective  test  by  opening  up  several  envelopes  as  provided 
by  himself,  removing  the  questions,  selecting  therefrom  a  half 
dozen  especially  suitable  ones ;  contents  of  these  messages  are 
written  in  brief  on  the  face  of  a  corresponding  envelope,  after 
which  they  are  resealed  in  duplicates  and  kept  in  the  same 
order  as  those  on  blank  envelope,  which  is  placed  at  bottom  of 
this  stack  and  a  rubber  band  placed  around,  or  a  clip  used, 
keeping  all  together. 

This  prepared  stack  is  conspicuously  placed  in  container, 
and  while  performer  moves  his  hand  among  envelopes,  ap- 
parently picking  same  up  at  random,  he  secures  this  prepared 
lot  and  a  few  extras,  allowing  those  undesired  ones  to  drop  back 
into  bowl,  together  with  clip  or  rubber  band.  Slightly  fanning 
envelopes  he  reads  first  message  on  bottom  one,  which  corre- 
sponds to  first  or  one  on  top  of  heap;  as  soon  as  the  name  is 
called  out  his  attendant  takes  and  returns  envelopes.  This 
party  is  requested  to  verify  the  fact  that  envelope  contains 
the  question  actually  propounded  by  him,  which  he  proceeds 
to  answer,  and  while  so  doing,  catches  a  glimpse  of  next 
message. 

In  this  method  it  would  be  impossible  to  use  up  the  entire 
number  of  envelopes  held  in  hand  for  the  reason  that  last  one 
acts  merely  as  a  conveyor  of  information,  therefore,  it  is  well 
to  leave  one  or  two  unanswered,  tossing  the  few  envelopes  re- 
maining back  into  bowl. 

Where  more  than  five  or  six  questions  are  to  be  so  treated, 
several  envelopes  can  be  used  as  note  containers,  being  ar- 
ranged in  two  or  three  series.  When  all  envelopes  above  the 
"dummy"  are  exhausted,  this  written  on  one  is  merely  slipped 
to  bottom  of  pile  in  the  act  of  fanning. 


48 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

HANDING  BACK  ORIGINAL  QUERIES: 

Practically  the  only  apparatus  for  which  this  test  is  suited 
is  the  mechanical  ball,  whereby  no  possible  opportunity  for 
errors  can  occur,  the  messages  being  at  all  times  under  your 
direct  command,  as  the  ball  can  be  rotated  forward  or  back- 
ward. 

To  spectators  the  effect  appears  thusly :  Performer  having 
stated  it  would  be  impossible  for  him  to  answer  all  questions 
received,  to  avoid  any  thought  of  favoritism,  or  that  he  an- 
S(Wered  only  certain  persons,  picks  up  seven,  eight  or  more 
envelopes,  mostly  being  ones  brought  from  home,  or  other- 
wise provided ;  this  batch  is  given  to  an  assistant,  who  remains 
amongst  audience.  A  name  is  called  out  while  gazing  into 
crystal  and  to  this  party  assistant  immediately  brings  the 
envelope,  asking  if  it  is  his,  and  to  open  so  as  to  verify  eon- 
tents;  in  the  meantime  the  desired  information  in  reply  to 
this  writer  is  being  furnished  by  performer. 

From  a  stolen  batch  of  envelopes  several  written  on  station- 
ery other  than  your  own  are  opened,  contents  copied  onto 
strip  for  use  with  mechanical  ball,  the  envelopes  carefully 
resealed  and  kept  in  proper  order.  A  red  line  or  some  distin- 
guishing mark  is  placed  on  the  slip,  enabhng  performer  to 
know  when  he  comes  to  this  arranged  set  (also  when  he  com- 
pletes the  run).  These  envelopes  having  been  kept  in  proper 
order  with  the  strip,  are  clipped  together  or  laid  in  a  comer  of 
the  basket,  bowl  or  other  make  of  container.  Now  when  per- 
former comes  to  this  mark  on  strip  he  picks  up,  apparently  at 
random,  this  prearranged  batch,  handing  to  assistant,  who  is 
careful  not  to  lose  the  order  thereof.  When  he  picks  up  an 
envelope,  performer  calls  out  name  written  on  slip,  assistant 
takes  to  him,  and  as  convincing  an  answer  as  possible,  suiting 
the  question,  is  transmitted. 

49 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

This  is  the  strongest  test  in  existence  for  the  unbeliever; 
apparently  performer  has  an  ordinary  ball — his  ears  are  not 
covered  (precluding  the  telephone  theory) — he  does  not  touch 
envelopes  but  for  a  few  seconds;  they  are  far  beyond  his 
range  of  vision ;  the  identical  message  is  handed  back  and  an 
intelligent  answer,  or  answer  pertaining  to  the  query  is  trans- 
mitted to  each  individual. 

TRUMPET  SEANCE: 

Several  of  these  preceding  methods  can  be  utilized  by  the 
medium  in  seance  work,  but  as  many  of  the  phenomenal  effects 
take  part  in  the  dark,  it  has  been  necessary  to  devise  a  means 
whereby  answers  can  be  given  to  written  questions  under  this 
existing  condition. 

Using  the  trumpet  here  described,  medium  has  questions 
written  on  small  cards,  which  are  placed  upside  down  in  a 
stack  upon  an  ordinary  table;  resting  thereon  is  also 
a  metal  trumpet,  about  12  inches  in  height,  which  may  be 
freely  examined,  as  there  is  aboslutely  nothing  mechanical  or 
fraudulent  about  it.  Medium  is  securely  strapped  to  chair, 
near  table — ^again  all  may  be  seated  in  a  circle  around  per- 
former, and  the  lights  extinguished,  leaving  the  room  in  total 
darkness;  suddenly  a  whispering  voice  is  heard  calling  out 
the  name  of  the  sitters  to  whom  is  imparted  information  per- 
tinent to  his  question ;  sometimes  as  from  the  departed  spirit 
in  regard  to  whom  they  are  inquiring;  at  times  it  may  be 
medium's  control  who  conveys  the  facts. 

As  stated  in  the  first  part  of  this  book,  ties  are  of  little 
value  so  far  as  preventing  freedom  of  action  on  medium's  part. 

The  trumpet  itself  is  ordinary,  except  that  the  smaller  end 
is  made  so  as  to  fit  tightly  against  operator's  eye,  resembling 
the  outer  edge  of  an  eyeglass  in  shape.    About  medium's  per- 

50 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

son  is  concealed  a  block  of  wood,  slightly  larger  in  circum- 
ference than  the  outer  end  of  trumpet  (usually  5  to  6  inches) 
about  1  inch  thick  with  a  groove  into  which  this  end  may  be 
inserted,  the  bottom  of  said  groove  being  padded  to  prevent 
any  noise  whatever.  The  block  is  bored  out  and  inside  is 
inserted  a  small  flash-light  battery,  connecting  with  the  tiny 
electric  light  globe  near  edge  on  inside  of  block;  this  has  a 
shade  above  it,  causing  the  light  to  be  thrown  downward  and 
is  connected  with  push  button  on  back  of  block;  below  the 
electric  light  globe  are  numerous  tacks  arranged  to  hold  the 
cards  in  place. 

When  the  room  has  been  darkened,  medium  takes  out  this 
block,  picks  one  of  the  cards  off  pile  on  table,  lays  on  the  block 
between  rows  of  tacks,  inserting  trumpet  into  grove  and 
placing  tightly  against  his  eye ;  by  pressing  button  on  bottom 
of  block  it  illuminates  the  card,  enabling  same  to  be  easily 
read.  It  is  necessary  that  this  block  be  tightly  in  place  and 
that  small  end  of  trumpet  be  pressed  firmly  against  eye,  other- 
wise a  ray  of  light  would  be  visible  when  the  globe  is  illumi- 
nated. The  cards  as  read  are  placed  together  in  a  stack  on 
table,  so  that  at  conclusion  of  seance,  when  lights  are  turned 
on,  medium  is  in  same  position  as  at  the  start,  cards  and 
trumpet  appear  untouched  and  the  block  has  been  safely 
hidden  away. 

Not  all  mediums  go  to  the  trouble  of  having  questions 
written:  After  several  tests,  lights  are  extinguished  and 
thru  the  trumpet  come  whispering  voices,  emanating  from  a 
spirit  control,  so  you  are  informed.  This  is  what  is  called 
"fishing  for  information" — the  medium  pointing  the  trumpet 
at  various  individuals  and  softly  calling  out  portions  of  names, 
such  as  Ja — Joh — May — Jo — Jha,  etc.,  which  to  an  excited 
mind  will  perhaps  resemble  James,  John,  May,  Mary,  Joseph, 
George — a  name  from  whom  you  might  expect  to  receive  a 

51 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

message.  Should  you  say  "John" — the  medium  in  a  far-off 
voice,  through  trumpet  will  say,  "Yes,  John  is  here  and  wants 
to  speak  to  you."  The  conversation  is  carried  on  by  yourself, 
answers  being  imparted  by  medium. 

In  the  vernacular  this  work  might  be  termed  "raw  "  never- 
theless it  is  in  vogue  with  present  day  spiritualists  who  man- 
age thereby  to  dupe  their  sitters. 

READING  UNDER  SHEET: 

Before  introduction  of  the  trumpet  explained  above  a  rou- 
tine was  employed  in  answering  written  questions  which 
proved  very  satisfactory  and  is  still  made  use  of  today. 

The  initial  proceedings  were  similar  to  those  in  the  trumpet 
seance — cards  having  been  filled  out  and  left  on  table,  per- 
former secured  to  chair  and  lights  extinguished,  names  were 
called  out  and  to  these  parties  advice  or  communications  from 
departed  friends  was  furnished. 

About  performer's  person  was  secreted  a  black  rubber 
sheet,  sufficiently  large  to  cover  upper  portion  of  the  body, 
likewise  a  small  pocket  flash-light. 

Releasing  himself  from  the  tapes  or  restraints,  the  sheet 
and  flash-light  were  removed,  cards  secured  from  the  table 
and  placed  on  lap,  or  held  in  one  hand:  When  covered  with 
this  black  rubber  sheet  the  light  could  be  flashed  with  im- 
punity; thus  by  holding  a  card  close  to  his  eyes  and  turning 
rays  of  flash-light  thereon  the  contents  was  readily  in  his 
possession,  and  a  suitable  answer  formulated.  At  conclusion, 
light  and  rubber  sheet  were  stowed  away,  cards  placed  on 
table,  hands  reinserted  in  tape,  lights  turned  up ; — everything 
appearing  as  at  start  of  experiment. 


52 


PSYCHIC  TESTS 

Under  this  title  will  be  explained  tests  used  by  mediums, 
clairvoyants  and  professional  performers  to  demonstrate  the 
existence  of  thought  transmission,  spiritualistic  aid  in  causing' 
objects  to  move  or  obey  commands,  invisible  message  writing 
in  plain  view  of  spectators,  etc.  The  majority  are  later  day 
inventions,  being  so  extremely  clever  and  convincing  it  is  small 
wonder  an  uninformed  person  attributes  the  different  actions 
to  other  than  human  aid. 

THOUGHT  TRANSMISSION  TEST: 

Used  as  an  introductory  effect  to  demonstrate  the  existence 
of  thought  transmission.  It  can  be  variously  employed  and 
depends  upon  existing  circumstances  to  determine  the  exact 
effect  to  be  conveyed  to  spectators. 

As  an  opener  for  a  crystal  gazing  act  the  user  states,  in 
order  to  absolutely  demonstrate  the  existence  of  thought 
transmission,  a  simple  test  will  be  enacted  with  ordinary 
articles. 

Several  small  envelopes  are  picked  up  from  table,  likewise 
a  blank  card,  an  envelope  and  card  passed  for  examination  and 
found  to  be  very  ordinary ;  with  a  red  pencil  performer  writes 
something  on  the  card,  unseen  by  anyone,  plainly  placing  this 
card  in  envelope,  which  is  immediate  handed  to  one  of  au- 
dience to  hold  during  the  test. 

To  preclude  the  possibility  of  fraud  or  existence  of  as- 
sistants amongst  audience,  two  or  three  persons  are  picked 
out  by  the  members  themselves  to  act  as  volunteers. 

53 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


For  brevity's  sake  we  will  assume  that  performer  is  using 
two  people,  and  has  secured  a  man  and  woman  to  assist.  To 
this  first  party  the  statement  is  made  that  written  on  card 
in  envelope,  now  held  by  a  certain  member,  is  written  a  month 
of  the  year  (day  of  the  week  color,  etc.).  He  is  asked  to 
concentrate  his  mind  and  when  "Ready"  is  called  out  to  speak 
aloud  the  first  month  that  enters  his  mind.  Supposing 
"January"  to  be  the  response  elicited ;  he  is  informed  by  per- 
former that  January  is  the  month  written  on  card — it  was  the 
month  that  he  was  concentrating  upon  and  therefore  it  was 
natural  that  same  be  spoken. 

Similarly  is  the  routine  employed  with  lady  assistant  using, 
for  instance,  a  number,  and  that  16  was  the  numeral  she 
called  out. 

The  envelope  is  now  taken  from  party  holding,  performer 
calling  attention  to  the  fairness  of  the  test  involved,  opens 
same  up,  extracting  contents  and  verifies  the  month  and 
number  as  given  by  members  after  proper  concentration,  im- 
mediately handing  out  slip  to  those  seated  in  his  immediate 
vicinity  as  proof  of  the  correctness  of  his  announcements. 

In  securing  this  result,  which  is  not  dependent  so  much 
on  skill  as  nerve  and  a  boldness  of  presentation,  performer 
resorts  to  substitution  of  envelopes  while  right  in  the  midst 
of  his  audience: 

The  proper  size  of  envelope  to  use  is  what  is  termed  a 
No.  2  drug  envelope ;  one  is  prepared  by  securing  to  the  inside 
face  of  it  a  piece  of  red  carbon  paper,  its  impression  closely 
resembling  a  red  crayon  or  drawing  pencil  and  will  not  smut 
as  easily  as  black  paper,  which,  moreover,  does  not  match  up 
with  the  ordinary  lead  pencil  in  common  use.  This  carbon 
paper  is  pasted  lightly  at  the  corners,  impression  side  down, 
whereby  writing  on  outside  face  of  envelope  will  be  trans- 

54 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

mitted  to  a  card  therein ;  it  should  also  not  extend  to  ends  of 
envelope  so  as  to  be  exposed  when  the  message  is  removed. 
Another  envelope  of  corresponding  make  and  size  contains  a 
piece  of  heavy  cardboard,  acting  as  a  writing  base ;  at  start  of 
experiment  they  are  in  the  following  order:  At  bottom  of 
stack  the  one  with  cardboard;  on  top  of  this  the  faked  en- 
velope, containing  a  duplicate  card  of  the  one  to  be  exhibited, 
which  has  also  been  sealed;  on  top  of  these  two  is  a  plain 
ordinary  envelope  and  a  blank  card,  and  it  is  these  the  seer 
passes  out  for  inspection ;  taking  back,  after  examination,  the 
envelope  is  laid  on  top  of  those  in  hand,  then  the  card,  making 
a  natural  writing  base ;  with  his  red  pencil  in  hand  performer 
merely  goes  through  the  actions  of  writing  upon  card,  actually 
sealing  up  a  blank  one  and  handing  out  to  a  person  seated 
nearby,  as  all  this  can  be  accomplished  while  standing  at 
bottom  of  steps  leading  to  platform.  The  faked  envelope  is 
now  uppermost  in  hand  and  writing  on  it  will  appear  in  red 
carbon  on  blank  card  therein. 

On  performer's  right  thumb  is  small  flesh-colored  band,  the 
underside  having  a  slight  piece  of  round-pointed  steel  soldered 
thereto.  After  his  instructions  have  been  carried  out  as  to 
concentration;  a  certain  month  given  by  selected  assistant, 
and  while  talking  to  second  party,  the  thumb  traces  over  en- 
velope this  month,  or  whatever  subject  is  used.  When  the 
second  person  calls  out  a  number,  as  shown,  while  reviewing 
the  proceedings  just  transpired,  performer  traces  in  this 
numeral,  proceeding  to  get  rid  of  fake,  or  it  may  be  allowed  to 
remain  on  thumb  for  the  time  being. 

As  the  matter  now  stands  performer  holds  in  his  left  hand 
two  envelopes,  one  containing  a  card  with  an  impression  of 
the  month  and  number  called  out,  and  which  he  was  supposed 
to  have  written  before  starting  actual  test,  also  one  containing 
heavy  cardboard,  while  a  spectator  holds  envelope  containing 

55 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


a  blank  card:  It  is  necessary  that  this  latter  be  exchanged 
for  the  one  which  is  held  in  left  hand  and  this  is  accomplished 
by  what  magicians  term  "the  top  and  bottom  change" — that  is 
exchanging  envelope  taken  from  spectator  and  leaving  on 
bottom  of  those  in  hand,  and  removing  the  top  one;  it  is  a 
sleight  that  requires  some  practice,  but  once  learned  can  be 
done  as  a  continuous  movement  in  the  midst  of  a  gathering. 
Reach  for  envelope  in  audience  with  right  hand,  facing  tow- 
ards holder,  at  same  time  left  thumb  slightly  pushes  over 
top  envelope ;  when  the  one  is  secured  from  holder  bring  right 
hand  towards  body  at  the  same  time  turning  body  away  from 
sitter  and  as  turn  is  being  made  both  hands  come  together 
for  a  fraction  of  a  second  whereupon  fingers  of  left  hand 
grasp  envelope  in  right,  drawing  it  in  under  the  other,  while 
thumb  and  first  two  fingers  of  right  hand  grasp  the  extended 
or  fake  envelope,  moving  away  until  same  is  held  some  dis- 
tance from  body  and  slightly  in  the  air. 

All  that  remains  to  do  is  to  tear  off  end  of  envelope,  extract 
cards,  verify  the  fact  that  those  in  audience  called  out  the 
identical  information  as  originally  written  by  yourself.  This 
card  can  then  be  left  with  audience  to  pass  along  as  confirma- 
tion.   Envelope  should  be  dropped  into  coat  pocket. 

The  reader  probably  cannot  appreciate  this  effect  until  it 
is  given  a  trial  or  has  been  witnessed  in  use,  but  if  performed 
deliberately  and  with  plenty  of  confidence,  makes  the  strongest 
psychic  test  of  its  character,  suitable  under  all  conditions. 

STYLUS  METHOD: 

A  stylus  is  a  glass  or  agate  pen,  commonly  used  in  former 
years  by  railroads  when  compiling  way-bills,  through  its  use 
being  enabled  to  write  the  original  in  ink  and  at  the  same  time 
prepare  a  carbon  copy.    For  this  test  only  the  stub  is  neces- 

56 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


sary  in  order  to  be  easily  manipulated  inside  trousers'  pocket, 
or  the  pocket  of  whatever  costume  is  worn. 

An  exactly  similar  routine  is  employed  as  in  preceding 
method,  except  that  writing  on  faked  envelope  is  accomplished 
while  same  is  slightly  clipped  to  a  pad  in  pocket.  At  conclusion 
of  test  it  is  extracted  from  pocket,  concealed  in  palm  of  hand 
and  placed  on  top  of  the  few  envelopes  visible,  and  top  and 
bottom  change  effected,  or  it  is  deliberately  switched  for  the 
one  held  by  spectator  while  enroute  to  bottom  steps  leading 
to  platform. 

Of  these  two  methods  the  former  is  recommended,  it  re- 
quiring only  a  fairly  impressive  misdirecting  talk  to  entirely 
divert  attention  from  the  hands;  in  any  event  movement  of 
thumb  is  covered  from  view  by  the  bottom  envelope,  if  held 
at  an  angle  of  about  forty-five  degrees. 

By  adopting  this  thumb  clip  stylus,  where  only  one  subject 
is  to  be  covered,  an  exhibited  blank  card  is  placed  in  fake  en- 
velope and  same  held  by  yourself  in  plain  view,  with  thumb  out 
of  sight  back  of  envelope.  The  subject  is  written  while  so 
held,  card  removed  and  handed  to  audience  for  verification.  I 
do  not  recommend  this  method  of  presentation. 

PARLOR  THOUGHT  TRANSFERENCE: 

For  the  beginner,  who  desires  to  entertain  his  guests,  a 
practical  version  of  the  foregoing  can  be  accomplished  without 
substituting  envelopes,  or  by  the  stealthy  writing  of  subjects 
made  known  by  your  selected  spectators.  However,  as  in  all 
magical  or  psychic  tricks,  it  requires  a  convincing  manner  of 
presentation.  This  applies  to  every  effect ;  if  you  are  not  con- 
vincing in  your  talk,  you  cannot  impress  the  thoughts  in  the 
light  you  desire.  Convince  yourself  that  what  you  say  will 
take  place,  actually  does,  allowing  the  unknown  moves  to  be 

57 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


made  in  a  subconscious  manner,  thereby  lessening  the  atten- 
tion otherwise  paid  to  some,  and  also  avoiding  as  much  as 
possible  any  chances  of  being  detected. 

In  this  version  performer  holds  a  few  envelopes  in  his 
hand,  the  top  one  being  faked  as  in  previous  tests ;  a  blank  card 
is  exhibited,  on  which  is  supposedly  written  with  a  red  pencil 
two,  three  or  four  subjects ;  it  is  then  sealed  in  envelope  and 
placed  on  top  of  balance  of  those  in  hand.  Performer  states 
that  he  has  written  several  objects,  such  as  the  name  of  a 
President,  letter  of  the  alphabet,  a  color,  etc.,  and  by  concen- 
tration will  endeavor  to  have  those  present  call  out  the  objects 
as  he  himself  desires;  as  a  matter  of  verification  a  piece  of 
writing  paper  (size  of  envelopes)  is  taken,  also  a  black  lead 
pencil  (about  a  No.  3  being  best  to  obtain  satisfactory  results) , 
upon  which  will  be  written  the  names  called  out.  Enough 
people  are  chosen  to  cover  the  number  of  objects  written  be- 
forehand, or  presumed  to  have  been.  To  the  first  one  is 
communicated  information  that  the  name  of  a  certain  Presi- 
dent was  written  on  card;  to  concentrate  when  told  to  do  so, 
and  when  "ready"  is  called  out  by  performer  he  or  she  is  to 
give  you  the  name  of  the  first  President  that  is  thought  of. 
No  matter  what  name  is  given,  performer  states:  "That  is 
correct,  and  to  verify  my  assertion  I  am  going  to  make  a  note 
thereof,"  which  he  does  with  black  lead  pencil  on  slip  of  paper, 
at  the  same  time  transferring  this  name  to  blank  card  in 
envelope  by  means  of  red  carbon  paper. 

When  the  final  object  is  treated,  this  verification  slip  is 
handed  to  one  member  of  audience,  card  extracted  from  faked 
envelope  and  handed  to  another  seated  a  little  distance  away, 
so  that  handwriting  cannot  be  compared,  at  least  during  the 
concluding  part  of  experiment.  By  asking  what  President's 
name  was  given,  performer  again  verifies  through  party  hold- 
ing slip,  requesting  person  with  card  to  see  that  this  was 

58 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


identically  the  same  as  written  at  beginning  of  test.  Each 
subject  is  accordingly  compared  and  if  performed  properly 
throughout  will  cause  your  audience  to  believe  that  you 
actually  incited  those  participating  to  think  of  exactly  the 
same  thing  as  you  yourself  was  concentrating  upon. 

THE  WANT  AD  TEST: 

To  convince  his  auditors  of  the  existence  of  thought  trans- 
mission, existing  claivoyant  powers  or  mind  reading,  per- 
former has  assistant  or  medium  on  platform  concentrate  upon 
chosen  ads,  quoting  same  word  for  word. 

The  apparent  moves  or  actions  of  performer  are  as  outlined 
below: 

A  complete  local  newspaper  is  introduced,  handed  to  a 
nearby  spectator  with  a  request  that  one  of  the  want  ad  pages 
be  selected,  suggesting,  however,  to  avoid  confusion,  that  a 
page  with  ads  upon  but  one  side  be  chosen.  After  selection 
this  page  is  taken  and  with  a  pair  of  scissors  fifty  to  sixty 
ads  are  cut  out  and  laid  on  a  tray  carried  by  assistant,  he  or 
she  handing  them  to  various  members  present,  asking  that 
they  fold  the  ad  over  once  and  seal  in  envelope  provided ;  upon 
completion  of  this  work,  after  collecting,  the  entire  packet  is 
given  to  any  person  present  with  a  request  that  thirteen  en- 
velopes be  chosen  at  random  for  use  in  this  test.  This  chosen 
heap  performer  takes  and  a  lady  or  gentleman  selects  one, 
holding  in  view  of  all ;  instantly  medium  on  stage  slowly  quotes 
an  ad;  upon  opening  container  this  quoted  ad  is  found  to  be 
identical  with  the  one  selected;  a  similar  routine  is  employed 
with  two  additional  members,  the  contents  being  correctly 
called  out  in  all  cases. 

Apparently  this  test  is  of  the  fairest,  but  it  is  not  devoid 
of  trickery  as  herev/ith  explained.  The  paper  itself  is  ordinary, 

59 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


likewise  is  a  free  selection  allowed  and  the  actual  fifty  or 
sixty  ads  cut  from  paper  go  into  plain  No.  2  drug  envelopes, 
but  in  right  hand  trousers'  pocket  are  secreted  three  envelopes, 
each  containing  a  want  ad  placed  there  before  performance, 
these  specific  ads  having  been  memorized  in  a  given  order  by 
the  medium  or  assistant.  If  your  helper  is  not  possessed  of  a 
retentive  memory,  he  or  she  may  be  blindfolded,  as  explained 
at  the  start  of  this  volume,  the  ads  copied  off  onto  a  card  and 
left  within  range  of  vision  on  table,  near  which  assistant  is 
seated. 

While  thirteen  ads  are  being  chosen  from  the  entire  bunch 
chpped  from  page  of  paper,  performer  stands  near  selecting 
party  with  right  hand  in  trouser's  pocket,  palming  the  three 
envelopes  contained  therein ;  as  he  reaches  with  left  hand  for 
packed  of  thirteen,  the  three  in  pocket  are  taken  out  palmed 
(concealed  in  palm  of  hand)  and  in  transferring  to  right  hand, 
these  three  palmed  ones  are  placed  on  top  the  roof.  Envelopes 
may  be  false-shuffled,  care  being  used  to  not  disturb  the  three 
top  ones,  and  the  pack  then  held  towards  some  lady  with  a 
request  that  she  choose  one,  slightly  shoving  over  top  envelope, 
which  is  quite  naturally  taken,  as  it  will  be  found  most  people 
act  along  the  lines  of  least  resistance,  and  when  envelope  is 
partly  shoved  into  their  hand  it  is  unconsciously  and  as  a 
matter  of  course  selected  as  the  easiest  accessible. 

Performer  now  requests  medium  to  concentrate  and  en- 
deavor to  convey  the  exact  contents  of  this  freely  selected 
envelope,  which  is  done  in  a  slow  deliberate  manner,  as  if  the 
task  were  a  difficult  one. 

The  stack  of  envelopes  are  fanned  and  some  party  chooses 
one  at  random ;  as  soon  as  removed,  close  up  fan,  take  envelope 
away  from  selecting  party  with  right  hand,  executing  the  top 
and  bottom  change,  previously  mentioned,  which  leaves  this 

60 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

last  chosen  one  on  bottom  of  stack,  while  performer  grasps  the 
second  of  memorized  envalopes,  which  is  at  once  given  to  an- 
other to  hold.  As  in  the  first  instance,  contents  are  read  off 
by  medium,  envelope  opened  and  a  verification  received.  For 
third  choice  performer  may  use  this  same  procedure  or  just 
carelessly  hold  entire  pack  towards  a  person,  trusting  that  the 
top  one  will  be  removed,  it  being  the  third  of  already  known 
ones.  Should  it  not  be  selected,  it  is  handed,  apparently,  to 
another  party,  actually,  however,  being  substituted  for  desired 
ad  by  means  of  the  formerly  employed  top  and  bottom  change. 

Performer  at  this  time  states  his  assistant  could  keep  on 
quoting  the  ads,  but  while  so  doing  is  under  a  great  mental 
strain,  but  believes  that  his  assertions  have  already  been 
proved.  While  making  this  brief  speech  three  envelopes  are 
palmed  off  the  pack  and  dropped  in  coat  or  trousers'  pocket, 
thereby  enabling  performer  to  leave  a  packet  of  ten  envelopes 
in  midst  of  audience,  and  in  case  a  curious  or  suspicious 
person  opens  them  up,  contents  will  all  be  found  different. 

A  former  method  required  the  use  of  thirteen  newspapers ; 
thirteen  copies  of  one  ad,  twelve  of  another  and  eleven  of  the 
third  being  sealed  in  envelopes.  These  various  packets  were 
concealed  about  performer's  person,  in  upper  and  lower  vest 
pockets  and  substituted  for  selected  thirteen,  thereby  allowing 
free  choice  given;  however,  each  time  the  hat  came  back  to 
performer  another  exchange  was  necessitated.  At  conclusion 
the  package  of  duplicates  being  switched  for  ten  of  the  original 
thirteen,  and  these  were  left  in  audience.  With  this  latter 
routine  practically  the  same  effect  was  produced,  but  for  the 
beginner,  lacking  abundance  of  nerve,  too  many  substitutions 
were  necessary,  leaving  an  opening  for  a  false  move  or  a 
bungling  of  the  trick. 


61 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

FLAP  SLATES: 

Slates  have  always  occupied  a  position  of  prominence  in 
the  repertoire  of  mediums,  clairvoyant  workers,  magicians  and 
crystal  gazers,  being  used  either  for  the  asker  to  write  his 
query  upon,  or  as  a  means  of  communicating  information  from 
supposedly  departed  spirits. 

The  oldest  and  probably  most  used  version  was  that 
whereby  an  ordinary  school  slate  was  fitted  with  a  silica  flap, 
matching  the  slate.  Writing  placed  on  slate  beforehand  and 
covered  with  this  flap  was  invisible  to  audience,  though  both 
sides  were  unmistakably  shown ;  in  some  instances  being  wiped 
with  a  damp  cloth  or  sponge. 

After  exhibition,  the  faked  slate  was  set  down  for  a 
moment  on  a  table  fitted  with  a  dark  drape  or  cover,  allowing 
flap  to  drop  thereon  where  it  was  invisible  a  few  feet  distant ; 
a  second  slate  proven  devoid  of  writing  was  placed  under  the 
first  one,  it  being  necessary  for  medium  to  avoid  exposing 
under  side  of  slate  when  picking  up  from  table.  The  two 
now  being  together,  with  writing  inside,  were  wrapped  with 
a  piece  of  cord,  a  stout  rubber  band  or  enclosed  in  newspaper 
and  given  to  one  of  audience  to  hold;  concentrating  strongly 
upon  the  thought  at  hand  for  a  minute  or  more,  medium  re- 
quested that  slates  be  separated,  exposing  to  view  a  message 
addressed  to  the  writer,  or  one  of  general  information. 

MEDIUM'S  SLATE  MYSTERY: 

For  individual  use,  where  medium  came  into  possession  of 
a  sitter's  information  before  he  was  ushered  into  his  private 
reading  room,  the  following  was  applied  with  telling  effect: 
The  chamber  in  which  presented  was  never  brilliantly  lighted 
and  aromatic  incense  burned  in  a  vessel  or  miniature  idol  to 
disguise  the  odor  of  alcohol. 

62 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

A  thin  solution  of  ordinary  library  paste  was  used  to 
cover  one  side  of  slate  and  while  still  wet  the  message  written 
thereon  with  an  ordinary  slate  pencil  and  allowed  to  dry. 
When  ready  for  demonstration  slate  was  washed  with  a  sponge 
dipped  in  alcohol,  darkening  writing  so  as  to  be  invisible  in 
the  dimly  lighted  room ;  lightly  wiped  with  a  towel  it  could  be 
laid,  writing  side  down,  on  table,  or  placed  with  another  slate 
and  given  to  sitter  to  hold  between  his  hands;  when  dry  the 
message  was  plainly  visible. 

The  use  of  water  in  lieu  of  alcohol  would  obliterate  this 
message. 

THE  BOLTED  SLATES: 

Among  more  recent  pieces  of  apparatus  are  the  slates 
which  may  be  passed  for  examination;  a  question  is  written 
on  a  slip  of  paper,  placed  between  them  and  they  are  then 
bolted  at  the  four  corners,  wax  being  used  if  desired  to  dem- 
onstrated that  they  have  been  unmolested.  The  slates  may 
also  be  bound  with  twine  and  knots  sealed. 

When  properly  secured  slates  are  placed  in  a  cabinet  and 
on  completing  whatever  tests  are  to  be  utilized,  they  are  once 
again  passed  for  examination  and  everything  found  intact; 
the  audience  are  allowed  to  separate  and  discover  the  slip  of 
paper  still  in  place,  but  one  of  these  slates  bears  a  message 
addressed  to  writer,  giving  a  fairly  intelligent  answer  to  his 
or  her  query.  The  possibility  of  human  aid  in  producing  this 
message  seems  extremly  remote  and  has  convinced  more  than 
on  edoubting  person  that  the  writing  is  actually  performed  by 
an  unseen  spirit.  For  cabinet  tests  this  piece  of  apparatus  has 
no  equal. 

The  slates  resemble  the  ordinary  school  brand,  with  holes 
in  each  corner  for  insertion  of  bolts ;  one  is  entirely  unprepared 

63 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


but  the  second  has  at  one  end  a  bracket  or  hinged  portion  of 
braid,  held  in  place  by  a  small  brad;  upon  removal  of  this 
brad,  braid  portion  can  be  lifted  up,  thereby  permitting  of 
the  slate  itself  to  extracted  through  this  end;  after  reading 
slip  with  message  inserted  between  slates  an  answer  is  written 
on  the  unprepared  one,  sliding  section  reinserted  and  brad 
pushed  or  driven  into  place,  all  this  being  accomplished  with- 
out interference  by  the  bolting  and  wrapping  of  slates,  pro- 
vided they  have  not  been  bound  around  their  smaller  ends. 

The  spectators  take  slates  apart,  and  no  matter  how  care- 
fully examined  evidence  of  trickery  cannot  be  discovered  about 
the  one  bearing  a  message,  for  it  is,  pure  and  simple,  an  article 
of  ordinary  design. 

MECHANICAL  SLATES: 

Nothing  ever  produced  for  slate  writing  has  equalled  this 
truly  wonderful  piece  of  apparatus,  which  can  be  worked  while 
surrounded  on  all  sides,  if  occasion  requires,  but  it  is  best  to 
have  your  audience  seated  in  front  of  you.  It  is  further  nec- 
essary that  the  information  come  into  your  possession  before- 
hand, through  any  of  the  various  explained  modes  of  proce- 
dure. 

The  user  introduces  two  ordinary  looking  slates,  washing 
on  all  four  sides  and  passing  out  for  examination;  collecting 
them  from  examiner's  attention  is  called  to  the  fact  that  slates 
never  leaves  spectator's  view  for  one  instant,  precluding  any 
possibility  of  substitution,  and  they  are  accordingly  held  above 
his  head  until  desired  position  facing  spectators  is  reached. 
Again,  unmistakably  showing  all  four  sides  of  slates,  they 
are  placed  together,  a  piece  of  slate  pencil  inserted  between 
and  several  people  allowed  to  hold,  depending  upon  individual 
taste.  After  proper  concentration,  the  separation  is  done  by 
members  of  audience,  who  find  a  message  on  both  slates; 

64 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

closest  scrutiny  fails  to  bring  to  light  evidence  of  trickery  or 
preparation,  so  far  as  the  slates  themselves  are  concerned. 

Utmost  care  is  necessary  in  the  construction  of  this  piece 
of  apparatus,  which  is  really  a  version  of  the  old  flap  slate, 
but  in  this  instance  apparatus  is  practically  "fool  proof"  and 
will  stand  scrutiny  of  the  most  observing  skeptic;  even  if  told 
the  secret  it  would  require  some  time  to  actually  operate. 

The  wooden  edges  of  slate,  around  which  the  brade  is 
fastened,  are  wider  than  in  an  ordinary  school  slate,  giving 
the  appearance  of  a  more  expensive  article ;  these  four  edges 
are  about  1-inch  wide  and  one  end  of  each  slate  can  be  pulled 
back  a  fraction  of  an  inch  into  border  portion,  but  a  strong 
spring  makes  this  action  difficult  unless  it  is  properly  grasped ; 
as  soon  as  released  the  spring  carries  edge  portion  back  into 
place. 

A  flap  made  of  the  same  grade  material  as  used  in  the  two 
slates  is  provided,  being  of  the  identical  width  and  slightly 
longer,  so  as  to  fit  in  place  underneath  movable  sides;  it  is 
made  an  exact  fit  and  minute  inspection  will  fail  to  disclose  its 
presence.  When  the  two  are  placed  together  this  flap  is  on 
uppermost  slate,  facing  the  second  one ;  a  strong  pull  on  edge 
of  upper  slate  causes  it  to  drop  onto  lower  and  in  moving 
from  one  side  to  the  other  a  grasp  is  obtained  on  lower  slate, 
end  pulled  back  and  released,  fastening  the  flap  in  place.  Per- 
former takes  slates  slightly  apart  to  insert  stub  of  pencil,  at 
the  same  time  making  sure  that  this  flap  is  in  correct  position. 

By  writing  a  message  on  the  one  covered  with  flap  and  on 
the  inner  side  of  this  same  flap,  when  lowered  on  to  bottom 
slate  it  exposes  a  message  written  on  both. 

This  article  can  be  used  in  conjunction  with  various  tests 
and  defies  detection. 

65 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


HINGED  FLAP  SLATE: 

In  order  to  dispense  with  writing  on  pads,  etc.,  in  this 
version  a  slate  is  used,  which  remains  in  possession  of  the 
sitter  throughout,  and  will  puzzle  even  the  intelligent  as  to 
how  the  Information  came  into  medium's  possession.  It  is  not 
suitable  for  stage  use  but  a  valuable  asset  in  private  readings, 
where  but  one  person  is  present  at  a  time. 

Entering  medium's  office  there  will  be  noticed  on  his  table 
several  ordinary  articles,  including  three  slates  You  will  be 
requested  to  write  your  name,  the  name  of  some  departed 
friend  or  relative  and  what  is  uppermost  in  your  mind  at  the 
time  being,  during  which  medium  will  repair  to  another  part 
of  the  room,  out  of  range,  precluding  any  theory  to  the  effect 
that  he  could  possibly  know  what  was  being  written  on  slate. 

Upon  completion  of  your  inquiries  it  was  requested  that 
you  place  this  written  on  slate  face  down  upon  the  one  lying 
beside  you;  the  medium  took  his  place  opposite,  placing  the 
third  one  on  top  of  the  others  and  asking  that  you  write 
thereon  the  initials  of  this  departed  friend. 

At  conclusion  of  these  various  proceedings  medium  lifted 
all  three  slates  to  an  angle  of  about  45  degrees,  requesting  that 
you  gaze  upon  the  initials  just  written,  also  concentrate 
strongly  upon  the  advice  sought;  after  a  minute  or  two  had 
elapsed  slates  were  laid  to  one  side  and  information  imparted 
that  conditions  were  now  suitable;  the  presence  of  a  spirit 
from  the  other  world  being  felt. 

You  were  informed  that  a  certain  party  (the  name  of  the 
deceased  friend  written  on  slate)  desired  to  speak  to  you 
through  intercession  of  medium ;  your  correct  name  was  given, 
and  after  holding  your  hand  or  hands  for  two  or  three  min- 
utes, an  answer  and  some  advice  was  forthcoming  to  fit  that 
previously  written  on  the  slate. 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

It  is  small  wonder  that  many  persons  have  been  made  the 
dupes  of  f radulent  clairvoyants  and  others ;  these  transactions 
and  results  produced  seem  beyond  the  power  of  mortal  man, 
and  that  spiritual  intercession  was  invoke  would  be  a  natural 
conclusion ;  everything  transpired  in  your  immediate  vicinity, 
precluding  the  possibility  of  trickery,  substitution  of  slates, 
etc. 

The  slate  given  you  for  writing  upon  was  very  ordinary,  so 
was  the  third  slate,  carelessly  placed  a  trifle  beyond  your 
reach,  but  the  second  one,  upon  which  you  deposited  that 
bearing  a  message,  contains  a  solution  of  this  mystery,  for 
far  from  being  supernatural  it  was  a  clever  piece  of  apparatus, 
enabling  medium  to  obtain  possession  of  what  had  been 
written. 

This  mechanical  slate  was  in  reality  a  hinged  one,  the 
hinges  being  concealed  in  lower  frame ;  pulling  up  on  the  op- 
posite edge  released  entire  slate  portion,  permitting  it  to  fall 
against  table  and  leaving  a  clear  view  of  writing  on  second 
slate. 

In  operation,  after  you  had  deposited  message  bearing 
slate  face  down  upon  mechanical  one,  medium  placed  the  third 
ordinary  article  on  top  of  all,  and  on  this  was  written  the  ini- 
tials. Holding  slates  at  an  angle  for  your  intent  gaze  was 
merely  a  ruse,  enabling  medium  to  release  slate  portion  of  bot- 
tom one,  being  concealed  behind  the  others  and  not  visible  to 
you;  while  concentrating  he  in  turn  was  memorizing  names 
and  questions  written,  and  the  finish  hardly  needs  an  explana- 
tion— just  close  flap  by  allowing  slates  to  rest  flat  on  table, 
discard  to  one  side,  and  answer  according  to  how  the  party 
"sized  up." 

WEDGE  AND  STEEL  HOOK: 

Before  introduction  of  the  mechanical  bolted  slates,  two 

67 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


ordinary  articles  were  used  (your  own  if  furnished),  tightly 
bound  together  and  knots  sealed,  nevertheless  a  brief  mes- 
sage was  found  after  exit  from  cabinet. 

To  secure  writing  upon  slates  medium  took  a  small  hard- 
wood wedge,  forcing  them  slightly  apart  despite  bindings;  a 
thin  steel  rod  with  a  minute  piece  of  slate  pencil  secured  to 
its  end  was  inserted  between  slates  and  the  writing  accom- 
plished in  this  manner — a  crude  comparison  to  the  modern 
devices  used  for  such  demonstrations, 

SLATE  SWITCHES: 

In  clairvoyance  and  medium  readings  prepared  articles  are 
not  always  employed,  but  slates  switched  for  duplicates 
through  many  ruses,  such  as  using  a  holder  on  bottom  of  table, 
a  shelf  under  seat  of  chair,  switched  through  curtains  while 
held  overhead — an  assistant  back  of  a  curtain  placing  down  a 
duplicate  set  and  bringing  away  the  desired  ones;  this  being 
above  the  sitter's  range  of  vision;  panels  in  wall  have  been 
used  and  artifices  too  numerous  to  mention,  in  these  modern 
days  having  been  supplanted  almost  entirely  by  mechanical 
means. 

One  still  in  vogue  and  often  employed  by  the  faker  was 
to  have  seven  or  eight  slates  piled  upon  his  table  with  a 
slightly  larger  one  nearby;  these  were  all  washed  and  ex- 
amined and  in  the  event  of  placing  your  message  on  a  slate, 
which  was  laid  on  top  of  pile,  face  down,  medium  covered  with 
larger  one  and  later  carried  it  away  with  your  message-bearing 
one  concealed  underneath.  After  obtaining  desired  informa- 
tion it  was  in  the  same  manner  replaced. 

In  having  a  previous  knowledge  of  your  query,  this  same 
system  was  used  to  introduce  a  written  on  slate  concealed  at 
the  start  underneath  the  larger. 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


All  these  exchanges,  switches,  etc.,  depended  to  a  great  ex- 
tent upon  the  systems  known  to  each  faker,  and  the  degree  of 
dexterity  possessed. 

RAPPING  HANDS: 

Thread  Method:  Probably  the  most  common  and  often 
adopted  means  of  communication  with  supposed  spirits  was 
through  the  rapping  on  tables,  boards,  etc.,  developing  later  to 
rapping  hands,  talking  skulls,  and  the  like. 

The  rapping  of  hands  as  explained  under  this  method  is 
suitable  only  for  stage  use  or,  at  least,  where  performer  is 
some  distance  removed  from  spectators. 

A  wax  or  wooden  hand,  presumably  that  of  some  ancient 
mummy,  according  to  the  version  of  performer,  is  passed  for 
inspection,  and  it  is  really  free  from  trickery. 

On  platform  are  seen  two  ordinary  folding  style  of  chairs, 
also  a  piece  of  plate  glass  about  three  feet  in  length  and  a  foot 
wide,  which  is  taken  to  foothghts  and  displayed;  nothing 
would  prevent  its  being  passed  to  audience  for,  like  the  hand, 
it  is  devoid  of  preparation,  used  to  demonstrate  that  electricity 
cannot  be  a  controlling  factor,  glass  being  a  non-conductor; 
while  so  exhibiting  an  assistant  places  the  chairs  close  to- 
gether, back  to  back,  on  which  is  laid  the  plate  glass  and  hand 
deposited  thereon ;  performer  walks  completely  around  chairs, 
takes  his  wand  and  passes  all  around,  over  and  below,  to  show 
the  absence  of  threads,  wires  or  kindred  means  for  moving  the 
hand ;  once  more  hand  is  shown  free  of  any  detachments,  laid 
again  on  the  glass  by  performer  who  walks  to  edge  of  stage, 
but  upon  his  command  it  begins  to  tap  upon  the  glass  in  an  un- 
canny fashion,  answering  questions  through  apphcation  of 
the  spiritualistic  code,  which  is:  one  rap  for  "yes,"  two  raps 
for  "no"  and  three  for  "I  do  not  know — doubtful,  or  question 

69 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


is  not  clear."  Hand  can  at  any  time  be  lifted  from  the  glass, 
but  on  being  replaced  immediately  resumes  its  rapping,  and 
at  conclusion  of  exhibition  slides  off  glass  into  waiting  hand  of 
performer. 

A  thread  is  stretched  completely  across  stage,  each  end 
being  held  by  an  assistant  out  of  sight  in  wings  on  either  side ; 
this  thread  lays  on  the  floor,  enabling  performer  to  walk  about 
chairs  and  to  conclusively  prove  the  absence  of  any  connection 
above  or  below  glass;  as  he  puts  hand  back  a  second  time 
assistants  raise  thread  so  that  it  lies  across  the  glass  and  the 
wrist  is  placed  on  top  of  this  thread,  which  on  being  pulled  up 
by  assistants  working  in  unison  causes  hand  to  tip  forward 
and  tap  audibly  upon  the  plate  glass;  needless  to  say  it  can 
be  lifted  at  any  time  and  replaced  in  proper  position ;  also  it 
can  be  shown  that  no  connection  exists  either  above  or  below 
same  while  in  the  act  of  tapping. 

The  sliding  into  performer's  hand  is  accomplished  by  both 
assistants  pulling  forward  on  thread  quickly,  causing  hand  to 
glide  off  glass.  Thread  is  than  reeled  in  by  one  confederate, 
leaving  stage  clear  for  whatever  demonstration  is  to  follow. 

ELECTRIC  MAGNET: 

Similar  results  are  accomplished  with  this  article,  but  it  is 
not  as  simple  in  operation  as  the  one  previously  explained. 

The  hand  is  a  wax  one,  resting  with  fingers  down  on  glass. 
In  wrist  is  concealed  a  quantity  of  iron  filings,  the  tampering 
therewith  being  obscured  by  a  fancy  cuff  adorning  hand ;  it  is 
passed  for  examination,  hkewise  the  board  upon  which  it  rests, 
this  latter  having  an  electro  magnet  concealed  in  a  gouged  out 
space,  though  after  plugging  and  finishing  no  evidence  of 
preparedness  is  visible. 

through  the  body  of  chairs  down  under  stage  run  two  fine 

70 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


wires  connected  with  storage  batteries.  By  the  aid  of  a  switch 
electric  current  is  turned  on  or  shut  off  at  will.  These  may  De 
located  in  the  wings,  if  desired;  any  place  not  in  view  of 
audience. 

A  connection  is  established  by  a  spot  on  the  board  where 
it  comes  in  contact  with  chair,  thus  by  turning  on  current 
wrist  is  drawn  down,  raising  fingers  of  hand,  and  when  shut 
off  it  drops  into  natural  position,  causing  thereby  a  tap  upon 
the  glass. 

A  conversation  is  carried  on  identical  in  all  respects  as 
when  the  thread  method  is  resorted  to. 

NEEDLE  POINT  METHOD: 

Among  the  latter  day  inventions  for  stage  seance  presenta- 
tion is  a  hand,  resting  upon  a  small  board,  both  being  passed 
for  examination,  yet  when  the  hand  is  set  upon  this  board, 
while  exehibitor  is  in  midst  of  his  audience,  it  raps  out  answers 
and  conveys  information  at  will.  It  is  even  possible  for  a  dis- 
interested person  to  hold  one  edge  of  the  board ;  hand  never- 
theless continues  to  rap  and  may  be  picked  up  by  a  spectator 
while  so  doing. 

A  wooden  hand  is  employed  in  this  bafHing  version ;  it  can 
be  freely  passed  for  examination  as  there  is  nothing  to  dis- 
cover. Like  in  the  magnet  version,  a  rap  is  accomplished  by 
fingers  of  hand  tipping  down,  the  weight  of  wrist  bringing  it 
back  into  normal  position.  The  board  is  the  agency  responsi- 
ble for  this  seemingly  impossible  action;  in  reality  it  is  two 
pieces  of  wood,  accurately  fitted  after  insertion  of  mechanism, 
finely  grained  and  pohshed,  thereby  showing  no  junction. 

Inside  the  board  is  a  lever  arrangement,  at  one  end,  near 
center  being  a  small  metal  point,  like  a  needle,  with  a  weighted 
bottom,  resting  on  a  felt  pad,  opposite  end  is  connected  with  a 

71 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

screw  in  a  small  cleat  across  bottom  of  this  board,  and  by  the 
action  of  operator's  finger  pushing  against  this  screw  needle 
point  is  projected  fully  a  half-inch  beyond  surface  of  board. 
In  setting  down  hand  the  wrist  is  over  this  minute  hole ;  needle 
point  raises  wrist,  the  fingers  striking  board  and  on  release  of 
finger  pressure,  immediately  returns  to  its  natural  position. 
Operation  is  accomplished  while  board  is  held  in  performer's 
hands. 

This  small  hole  in  the  board  is  further  disguised  by  a  dozen 
or  more  performations  of  similar  nature  over  its  face. 

WEIGHTED  HAND: 

In  presenting,  performer  walked  amongst  audience  with 
examined  hand  on  a  plate  of  glass  or  piece  of  wood  and  while 
in  their  midst  caused  the  hand  to  rap  out  answers. 

The  base  used  for  receiving  raps  is  free  from  trickery,  the 
action  being  caused  by  hand  itself,  which  is  worked  on  a  bal- 
ance idea :  The  lingers  are  almost  straight  up  in  the  air  and  it 
tips  several  inches  before  making  a  tap.  The  hand  itself  is  so 
finely  balanced  that  a  very  slight  variation  of  board  throws  a 
concealed  weight  inside,  causing  it  to  tip  over  and  strike  board, 
a  reverse  movement  brings  it  again  into  place. 

Should  an  idea  develop  that  tipping  causes  the  hand  to  obey 
its  owner's  commands,  performer  can  pass  to  any  individual, 
who,  slanting  board  as  much  as  desired,  fails  to  upset  the 
gravity  thereof,  due  to  the  fact  that  a  locking  device  is  con- 
cealed in  wrist,  a  slight  pressure  rendering  hand  unworkable, 
and  instead  of  tipping,  it  will  slide  completely  off  board. 

BIBLE  TEST: 

As  the  Good  Book  seems  to  lessen  any  thought  of  trickery, 
its  use  was  a  great  favorite  with  mediums  in  former  years. 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

By  its  aid  thought  transmission  was  demonstrated,  or  a  mes- 
sage from  an  apparently  fairly  chosen  page  was  reproduced  on 
examined  slates. 

In  the  original  method  I  will  explain  how  it  was  adopted  to 
cause  thought  transmission,  or  the  obeying  of  medium's  will 
in  certain  selections. 

Performer  first  wrote  out  an  unseen  verse,  or  a  paragraph 
from  any  certain  page  in  the  Bible,  allowing  no  one  to  view  his 
choice,  but  immediately  sealing  in  an  envelope  and  entrusting 
to  the  care  of  one  seated  nearby. 

The  bible  having  been  introduced,  a  selected  individual  was 
given  a  small  card  or  indicator  and  requested  to  insert  it  at 
some  freely  chosen  part,  and  with  this  card  extending  it  was 
placed  to  one  side. 

A  cloth  bag  containing  various  numbered  counters  was  ex- 
hibited and  any  person  requested  to  insert  his  hand  and 
remove  one,  keeping  same  in  their  possession. 

Next  some  individual  was  asked  to  choose  one  side  of  the 
bible,  right  or  left. 

Upon  opening  book  where  card  was  inserted  and  counting 
down  the  number  of  lines,  on  right  or  left  side,  denoted  by 
chosen  counter,  this  verse  or  paragraph  was  read  and  found 
to  agree  with  what  had  been  written  at  start  of  test. 

A  certain  page  had  been  picked  out  before  hand  as  the  one 
to  be  used  by  medium,  counting  down,  we  will  say,  twelve  lines 
and  memorizing  the  verse  at  this  location.  By  bending  back 
the  book  several  times  it  would  readily  open  at  desired  page, 
but  to  simplify  matters  an  indicator  card  was  stuck  in  at  this 
point,  not  being  visible  when  in  audience  as  it  was  held  towards 
body.  When  card  was  inserted  by  spectator,  on  return  to  plat- 
form, performer  merely  pushed  it  out  of  sight,  turning  the 
book  so  his  own  card  was  exposed  to  view. 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


Bag  contining  counters  was  a  double  one — various  numbers 
being  in  one  partition,  in  the  other  all  were  No.  12 — exhibited 
counters  were  removed  from  the  assorted  lot,  but  this  portion 
was  then  held  closed  by  performer  when  selection  was  allowed, 
making  it  impossible  to  pick  out  any  but  the  desired  number. 

Using  the  left  or  right  side  was  merely  a  little  dodge  to 
make  test  seemingly  more  complicated.  If  you  said  left  side, 
and  that  was  the  one  performer  wanted,  it  would  be  left  hand 
page  from  his  position!  if  he  desired  the  opposite,  well  and 
good,  it  was  the  left  side  from  your  position,  the  right  from 
his  own.  Opening  book  v/here  card  was  seen  protruding,  coun- 
ing  down  twelve  lines  on  left  hand  side,  this  verse  was  read 
aloud  by  medium,  or  one  of  those  present,  and  upon  comparison 
with  sealed  container's  contents  found  to  agree,  for  the  faker 
knew  beforehand  just  what  verse  would  be  chosen. 

A  more  later  version,  especially  suitable  in  conjunction 
with  the  mechanical  slates  is  accomplished  by  using  a  bible, 
left  hand  page  throughout  being  exactly  the  same,  thus  no 
matter  where  book  is  opened  performer  is  aware  of  the  con- 
tents ;  right  hand  pages  are  different  and  consecutively  num- 
bered, avoiding  suspicion  by  the  leaf  not  corresponding  with 
the  number  of  pages  showing. 

TALKING  SKULL: 

The  operation  and  use  to  which  applied  is  very  similar  to 
that  of  rapping  hands. 

A  paper-mache  skull  resting  upon  a  plate  glass  by  opening 
and  closing  its  mouth  the  proper  number  of  times  carried  on  a 
conversation  in  the  spiritualist's  code. 

The  same  principle  is  involved,  that  of  a  stretched  thread 
engaging  in  a  protruding  rear  portion  of  jaw,  a  pulling  thereon 
causing  the  hinged  jaw  to  lower,   a  slackening   of  thread 

74 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

brought  it  back  to  normal  with  a  snap,  due  to  a  spring  con- 
cealed inside. 

SPIRIT  CLOCK: 

There  is  passed  for  examination  a  glass  dial,  about  15 
inches  in  diameter,  having  numerals  corresponding  to  an  or- 
dinary clock ;  close  examination  will  show  that  there  is  nothing 
complicated  or  fradulent,  for  it  is  but  plain  plate  glass,  with 
a  handle  at  the  upper  edge  to  facilitate  holding  same ;  a  pointed 
or  indicator  on  a  spindle  fits  into  an  opening  in  center  of  dial, 
permitting  of  its  being  revolved  by  the  operator  or  one  of  au- 
dience. The  spindle  being  put  in  place,  after  revolving,  will 
stop  at  any  desired  number,  reveal  the  universal  value  of  spots 
on  a  chosen  playing  card,  etc.  It  may  be  used  in  midst  of 
audience,  held  by  the  operaotr  or  anyone  else,  or  suspended 
from  an  ornamental  stand,  the  result  always  being  identical. 

The  action  of  stopping  at  a  desired  number  is  caused  by  the 
revolving  spindle  itself  which  is  finely  balanced  at  its  center; 
this  center  portion  of  indicator  contains  a  concealed  ball 
weight  that  may  be  revolved  by  moving  the  back  of  case, 
which  is  ratcheted  into  twelve  positions,  corresponding  to 
numerals  on  dial  and  in  moving  this  v/eight  by  the  aid  of 
thumb  while  exhibiting  spindle,  it  will  cause  handle  to  stop 
at  desired  number.  The  weight  is  rotated  in  a  direction  op- 
posite to  the  order  of  numerals  on  clock  dial ;  thus  if  desired 
to  stop  at  "3,"  the  weight  would  be  moved  into  a  position  cor- 
responding with  "9"  on  an  ordinary  dial — just  opposite  to 
usual  arrangement  in  numbering  the  face  of  a  clock. 

SPIRIT  PHOTOGRAPHY: 

Double  Envelope  Method: 

The  results  obtainable  by  this  so-called  photography  are 
applicable  in  various  ways,  either  to  cause  the  likeness  of  a 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

chosen  card  to  appear  on  a  blank  piece  of  paper,  a  reproduction 
of  a  certain  president,  author,  etc.,  or  a  quotation  from  some 
chosen  verse  in  connection  with  the  bible  trick,  depending  upon 
ingenuity  possessed  by  each  individual  user.  The  same  divers- 
ities apply  in  following  explained  methods. 

For  instance,  a  card  was  chosen  from  the  pack  and  held  by 
selector;  an  envelope  is  shown  perfectly  empty,  into  which 
is  placed  a  plain  blank  card,  freely  examined;  envelope  is 
sealed,  the  chosen  one  placed  thereon  and  held  for  an  instant 
by  a  spectator;  upon  opening  envelope  a  photographic  like- 
ness of  this  particular  playing  card  appears  on  the  previously 
inserted  blank. 

To  cause  this  effect  the  card  is  forced,  either  through 
sleight  of  hand  or  making  use  of  what  is  termed  a  "forcing 
pack,"  all  the  cards,  except  a  few  bottom  ones,  being  the  same. 
The  user  has  a  supply  of  photographs  of  this  card  to  be  forced, 
also  blank  cards  of  the  same  dimensions  and  quality  as  is  used 
for  producing  the  playing  variety ;  two  ordinary  envelopes  are 
necessary,  the  face  with  flap  part  carefully  cut  out  of  one; 
photographic  card  placed  inside  untampered  envelope;  face 
portion  placed  over  this  and  the  two  flaps  squared  up  and 
stuck  together,  thereby  enabhng  envelope  to  be  held  open  by 
fingers  without  disclosing  presence  of  card  between  the  two 
front  parts ;  after  insertion  of  blank  card  the  flap  is  sealed  in 
place ;  later  an  edge  is  cut  from  envelope,  fingers  holding  bot- 
tom portion  to  keep  blank  card  from  sliding  out,  and  the  one 
with  picture  thereon  slid  out  of  front  portion,  the  envelope 
itself  being  destroyed  or  placed  out  of  reach,  so  as  not  to  ex- 
pose routine  necessary  to  cause  this  apparent  phenomena. 

THE  SAND  FRAME: 

In  this  version  an  ordinary  looking  frame  is  shown  from 
both  sides  and  seen  to  be  apparently  free  from  trickery.  Mem- 

76 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


bers  of  audience  are  requested  to  write  the  names  of  well 
kno^vn  prsons  on  slips  of  paper  provided  for  this  purpose. 
The  slips  are  collected  and  from  these  one  is  chosen  by  a  spec- 
tator; again  showing  frame  perfectly  empty,  it  is  covered  for 
a  few  moments  with  a  large  handkerchief  which,  upon  being 
removed,  discloses  a  picture  of  the  personage  whose  name  is 
written  on  chosen  slip,  later  being  removed  from  frame  and 
passed  for  examination. 

It  is  necessary  to  force  the  name  as  desired  and  this  can 
be  accomplished  by  performer  having  secreted  in  palm  of  hand 
a  name  corresponding  to  picture  to  be  produced.  After  all  the 
slips  are  collected  some  party  not  participating  in  the  writing 
is  given  a  choice,  performer's  own  paper  being  forced ;  in  lieu 
of  a  force  accomplished  through  sleiglit  of  hand,  a  changing 
bag  or  basket  may  be  utilized.  It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that 
the  different  writers  and  members  of  audience  are  unaware  of 
various  names  written  outside  each  individual  in  his  own 
selection. 

The  frame  appears  ordinary,  however,  therein  lies  the 
whole  secret ;  The  edges  are  about  1-inch  wide  and  into  these 
are  securely  fastened  two  panes  of  glass  a  fraction  of  an  inch 
apart,  appearing  as  a  single  pane:  Top  portion  of  frame  is 
hollow  and  before  insertion  of  the  glass  is  filled  with  sufficient 
fine  black  sand  to  completely  fill  up  this  space  between  the  two 
glasses.  The  back  is  composed  of  a  removable  wooden  frame, 
held  in  place  by  two  clips,  similar  to  those  on  a  plate  holder 
used  in  photographic  work,  its  inner  side  being  painted  black 
to  correspond  with  the  sand. 

At  start  of  trick  performer  takes  off  back  posting,  insert- 
ing picture  to  be  used,  replaces  same  and  turns  frame  upside 
down,  causing  sand  to  occupy  space  between  glass  and  com- 
pletely hiding  picture  from  view,  the  impression  being  that 
back  of  frame  is  visible. 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

After  forcing  name  of  the  person  whose  portrait  is  con- 
cealed, performer  takes  frame,  laying  thereover  a  large  hand- 
kerchief, but  in  so  doing,  under  cover  of  handkerchief,  frame 
is  reversed,  whereby  sand  enters  hollow  portion  and  leaves  the 
picture  exposed  to  view.  The  back  portion  of  frame  can  now 
be  removed  and  picture  handed  out  for  inspection. 

The  Buckley  Method : 

The  below  described  impressive  version  was  introduced 
into  this  country  by  Mr.  Arthur  Buckley  of  Australia. 

A  large  frame  about  9x12  inches  is  shown  empty  by  taking 
apart,  there  being  only  the  outer  frame  proper,  a  sheet  of  glass 
and  a  backboard,  held  in  place  by  two  clips. 

Next  is  introduced  several  sheets  of  white  paper  the  size  of 
frame,  being  shown  from  both  sides,  proving  absence  of  prep- 
aration ;  one  of  these  sheets  is  placed  in  frame  and  marked  by 
a  member  of  audience  as  a  means  of  identification  and  to  avoid 
substitution  on  part  of  operator. 

Upon  a  card  being  selected  from  pack  it  is  held  up  in  plain 
view;  the  frame  handed  to  a  member  of  audience,  who  places 
one  hand  on  either  side.  Taking  a  piece  of  flash  paper,  per- 
former states  that  he  will  cause  a  photograph  to  be  projected, 
by  this  flash,  of  the  selected  card,  its  likeness  appearing  in 
frame  held  by  a  party  some  distance  away. 

Paper  is  ignited  and  disappears  in  a  sheet  of  flame;  per- 
former then  takes  frame,  removes  back,  shows  identifying 
mark  still  on  paper,  but  on  opposite  side  is  a  large  photog- 
raphic likeness  of  the  card  just  selected. 

Besides  the  parts  of  this  frame  described  above,  there  is 
also  a  "fake,"  consisting  of  a  stiff  white  board  to  just  fit  over 
inside  face  of  frame. 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

The  frame  is  lying  on  table,  together  with  a  half  dozen  or 
more  blank  sheets  and  one,  about  the  third  down,  containing 
an  enlarged  photograph  of  a  playing  card,  which  is  to  be  later 
forced  upon  a  member  of  the  audience.  The  "fake"  is  also 
reposing  upon  table,  on  a  piece  of  newspaper,  the  back  of  this 
fake  being  covered  with  newspaper  so  that  its  presence  is  in- 
visible to  spectators. 

Performer  first  forces  card  to  be  used,  either  by  sleight 
of  hand,  or  by  means  of  a  "forcing  pack,"  and  this  is  held  by 
individual  selecting  throughout  balance  of  experiment:  The 
regular  frame  is  now  picked  up,  taken  apart  and  shown  to  the 
complete  satisfaction  of  all  to  be  without  preparation;  in  re- 
placing on  table,  after  exhibition,  it  is  layed  directly  over  fake : 
Picking  up  blank  sheets,  performer  moves  them  from  hand  to 
hand,  but  in  so  doing  keeps  the  photographic  one  behind  a 
blank,  holding  the  two  sheets  as  one;  they  are  reversed  and 
freely  shown  on  opposite  side;  apparently  picking  one  at 
random,  performer  removes  photographic  sheet,  face  down, 
holding  so  audience  cannot  see  the  front  part  thereof,  and 
this  supposedly  blank  sheet  is  laid  on  glass  portion  of  frame ; 
back  part  is  now  put  in  place  and  the  frame,  together  with 
white  fake  picked  up :  Front  of  frame  shows  a  white  card,  ap- 
parently the  one  just  laid  down,  but  really  the  fake,  covering 
photographic  card.  Half  of  back  portion  can  be  opened  by 
having  it  hinged;  this  is  done,  allowing  plain  side  of  picture 
sheet  to  be  initialed.  Performer  once  again  shows  back  and 
front  of  frame  and  on  reaching  table,  as  the  flash-paper  is 
picked  up,  fake  is  allowed  to  drop  off  face  of  frame  onto  news- 
paper thereon.  The  frame  is  taken  into  audience,  being  care- 
ful to  hold  so  that  face  part  is  not  exposed,  and  given  to  a  lady 
near  front  of  audience  to  hold,  one  hand  underneath  and  one 
above  frame,  thus  preventing  her  or  any  other  person  from 
seeing  the  now  visible  photograph.    As  soon  as  flash-paper  is 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

ignited,  frame  is  taken  from  volunteer  helper,  lifted  up  and 
the  likeness  appearing  on  paper  therein  compared  with 
selected  card  and  found  to  be  identical.  Opening  frame,  per- 
former shows  it  again  as  ordinary  and  verifies  initials  written 
by  a  member  at  start  of  test. 

This  frame  can  be  made  up  by  a  person  familiar  with  tools 
and  will  provide  the  owner  with  a  wonderful  parlor  or  stage 
trick,  out  of  the  ordinary  routine  where  playing  cards  are  in- 
troduced. 

Photographs  of  Presidents  or  famous  men  may  be  used, 
or  any  routine  as  exacted  by  different  individuals. 

TABLE  LIFTING:    (Old  Method) 

A  form  of  trickery  resorted  to  by  mediums  to  prove  assist- 
ance from  unseen  spirits  in  causing  a  light  table  to  rise  in  the 
air,  float  about  above  the  head  on  one  hand — to  all  appearances 
defying  the  laws  of  gravity. 

As  formerly  used  table  had  a  small,  large-headed  nail  or 
tack  driven  into  it  near  one  end  about  its  center:  An  ope- 
rator's third  finger  of  right  hand  was  worn  a  band  ring  with 
a  notch  cut  therein  of  sufiicient  size  to  fit  into  nail,  under  its 
head.  When  right  hand  was  placed  on  table  it  became  en- 
gaged in  the  nail;  left  hand  being  placed  in  a  corresponding 
position  was  used  in  steadying  table  when  raised ;  after  being 
in  a  position  over  his  head,  decreasing  the  weight  sustained 
and  permitting  of  an  easy  balance,  left  hand  was  taken  away. 
By  proper  balance  the  table  could  be  moved  around  in  various 
directions  and  even  taken  into  audience. 

The  drawback  to  this  system  is  the  fact  that  hands,  or  at 
least  right  hand  must  remain  perfectly  flat  on  table  at  all 
times  during  test ;  further,  table  could  not  be  closely  examined. 

Human  assistance  was  often  suspected,  so  as  to  divert  any 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


doubting  mind  into  another  channel  of  thought,  the  table  was 
provided  with  an  additional  tack  at  its  exact  center.  After 
manifestations  through  the  aid  of  a  notched  ring,  operator 
would  allow  table  to  rest  on  floor  and  around  this  center  tack, 
while  invoking  the  spirits,  would  v/ind  a  stout  thread,  held  in 
the  hands  of  two  assistants  out  of  sight  in  wings,  or  behind 
screens. 

Table  was  now  caused  to  float  several  feet  in  the  air  while 
operator's  hands  were  some  distance  therefrom. 

New  Method: 

To  overcome  the  impossibility  of  inspection  some  shrewd 
mind  devised  a  mechanically  operated  table  that  would  bear 
the  closest  scrutiny,  and  when  employed  performer  or  medium 
could  disclose  the  tack  method,  requesting  that  a  close  exami- 
nation be  given  to  prove  the  absence  of  such  an  article. 

This  particular  table  was  caused  to  float  above  performer's 
head,  similar  to  that  shown  in  former  method;  it  could  be 
taken  into  the  midst  of  those  present  and  some  party  allowed 
to  place  tlieir  hand  on  one  end,  performer  placing  his  on  the 
opposite  end,  but  still  it  rose  in  the  air.  To  further  preclude 
the  possibility  of  a  tack  taking  part  in  this  manifestation,  only 
the  tips  of  fingers  and  thumb  rested  against  table  top. 

This  seemingly  impossible  effect  v/as  accomplished  on  the 
same  principle  as  in  the  "tack"  method.  Sunk  into  table  top 
was  a  steel  needle  rod  with  a  ball-point  head ;  when  in  a  nat- 
ural position  this  rod  was  invisible  and  the  small  hole  in  table 
top  was  obscured  by  using  a  checked  design  covering  or  a 
striped  piece  of  felt.  To  cause  needle  point  to  rise  above  table 
top  it  became  necessary  to  press  down  on  a  trap  portion  near 
opposite  end,  this  trap  slightly  depressing  and  working  a  lever 
connected  with  needle  point,  thereby  throwing  it  about  a  half 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


inch  above  level  of  outer  top.  A  notched  ring  was  worn,  as 
shown  in  previous  method,  but  as  this  needle  point  could  be 
pulled  out  over  an  inch  it  allowed  of  the  fingers  being  raised 
so  that  palm  of  hand  did  not  touch ;  due  also  to  the  fineness  of 
this  protruding  point  and  the  screen  offered  by  one's  fingers, 
it  could  be  taken  into  audience  with  impunity,  especially  as  all 
suspicion  relative  to  "tacks"  had  been  removed. 

After  carrying  table  into  audience,  medium  requested  that 
the  hand  be  rubbed  over  its  top  to  show  the  absence  of  any 
"tacks"  or  similar  articles ;  then  depressing  table  trap  as  right 
hand  went  into  place  he  engaged  his  ring  into  needle  point, 
requesting  a  lady  or  gentleman  to  lay  their  hands  in  a  similar 
position  on  opposite  end ;  then  raising  hand  up  until  only  tips 
of  same  rested  on  table,  it  was  lifted  by  the  operator,  his 
volunteer  assistant  merely  aiding  in  maintaining  a  balance. 

A  cloth  could  be  placed  over  entire  table  top,  but  due  to  the 
protruding  point,  sufficient  room  was  available  for  insertion  of 
notched  ring  engaging  rod  and  cloth,  thus  further  bewildering 
audience. 

FLOATING  BALL: 

While  caused  by  seemingly  supernatural  means,  this  trick 
is  more  adaptable  in  the  program  of  a  magician,  and  can  only 
be  satisfactorily  presented  on  a  stage  or  platform  some  little 
distance  from  audience.  A  double  parlor  is  suitable,  but  there 
should  be  a  drape  of  some  dark  color  back  of  operator  to  blend 
with  thread  used. 

This  is  the  way  the  effect  presents  itself  to  spectators : 

Performer's  assistant  brings  in  a  5  or  6-inch  gold  ball, 
apparently  solid,  and  an  ordinary  hoop  about  3  feet  in  diame- 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

ter.  Performer  throws  hoop  over  his  head,  allowing  it  to  rest 
on  his  neck,  tosses  ball  into  air  and  shows  it  absolutely  free 
from  connections.  Taking  a  position  near  center  of  platform, 
he  balances  the  ball  on  his  hand  for  a  few  moments,  then 
slowly  withdrawing,  the  sphere  remains  stationary,  held  by  an 
unseen  force.  His  hands  are  passed  below  and  above  and  the 
hoop  completely  passed  over  ball,  which  actions  prove  beyond 
a  doubt  that  nothing  can  be  connected  with  it.  The  ball  is  now 
caused  to  move  forward  and  backward,  rise  in  the  air,  lower 
itself,  following  apparently  the  motions  indicated  by  perform- 
er's hands.  At  conclusion  it  is  tossed  to  an  assistant  or  caused 
to  lower  itself  into  a  small  box  on  stage. 

The  ball  is  made  of  paper,  a  globe  of  the  world  heavily 
painted  with  bronze  being  commonly  used;  into  wooden  point 
at  one  axis  is  forced  a  thin  piece  of  wire,  the  protruding  por- 
tion being  bent  over  so  as  to  form  a  small  hook. 

When  assistant  comes  onto  stage  he  or  she  carries  the  ball, 
hoop,  and  an  ear-piece,  like  the  curved  portion  of  an  eye-glass 
temple,  to  which  is  attached  a  length  of  black  silk  thread,  the 
opposite  end  held  by  an  assistant  in  wings;  performer  first 
takes  hoop,  placing  sam^e  around  his  neck,  then  secures  ball 
and  ear-piece,  placing  this  hook  over  left  ear  (if  right  side  is 
towards  audience)  while  apparently  brushing  back  his  hair; 
the  globe  is  freely  shown  and  when  balancing  on  hand  the 
small  wire  hook  is  inserted  over  thread,  which  in  meantime 
has  been  drawn  taut  by  assistant ;  through  this  assistant  low- 
ering or  raising  his  end  of  thread  the  ball  is  accordingly  raised 
or  lowered;  following  out  performer's  motional  commands  it 
is  caused  to  perform  various  antics. 

As  there  is  no  connection  above  or  below,  the  hands  can  be 

83 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

passed  over  and  below,  and  as  supporting  thread  is  within 
radius  of  hoop,  it  can  be  passed  back  and  forth  in  the  same 
direction  as  ball  and  thread,  thereby  making  a  most  mystify- 
ing effect. 


84 


CLAIRVOYANCE   OR   SECOND 
SIGHT 

CLAIRVOYANCE,  second  sight,  mind  reading  and  thought 
projection,  whether  exhibited  on  the  entertainment  plat- 
form or  in  the  privacy  of  a  medium's  parlor,  is  pure  and  un- 
adulterated bunk.  Scientists  and  others  have  investigated  the 
supposed  supernatural  powers  possessed  by  various  persons 
from  time  to  time,  discloS|ing  that  most  of  these  sensational 
feats  were  merely  "press  agent"  reports. 

While  some  persons  performed  seemingly  supernatural 
feats  and  conveyed  information  that  did  not  seem  possible  by 
an  ordinary  mortal,  a  thorough  investigation  would  reveal 
trickery  or  pre-obtained  knowledge  as  the  basis. 

The  following  described  routines  are  those  used  by  public 
performers  as  a  means  of  entertainment,  though  in  some 
cases  they  are  not  too  particular  in  allowing  reports  to  be 
circulated,  via  the  press,  as  to  their  supernatural  powers  of 
devination. 

SUGGESTED  FEATS  IN  AUDIENCE: 

In  the  following  version,  performer  enters  with  his  assist- 
ant (generally  a  lady),  stating  he  will  place  her  in  a  state  of 
hypnosis,  then  passing  amongst  audience  will  have  them  sub- 
mit various  tests  for  the  lady  to  execute.  She  is  apparently 
hypnotized,  performer  passes  down  the  aisles  and  into  his  ear 
is  whispered  tests  to  be  undertaken,  such  as  removing  a  hand- 
kerchief from  one  man  and  giving  it  to  another,  tying  a  cer- 
tain number  of  knots  in  same;  removing  a  cigarette  from  a 
package,  placing  in  owner's  mouth  and  lighting ;  opening  a  box 

85 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


of  candy  and  taking  out  a  certain  number  of  pieces  and  giving 
to  another;  mussing  a  person's  hair;  taking  their  hat  and 
placing  upon  the  head ;  taking  off  coat  and  turning  inside  out, 
and  several  others. 

The  lady  is  now  caused,  through  performer's  control  over 
her  mind  to  enter  audience,  and  while  he  is  ten  or  more  feet 
distant  at  all  times  she  executes  various  tests  laid  out  before- 
hand, presumably  through  aid  of  performer  conveying  this 
information  by  mental  telepathy. 

The  lady  is  not  in  a  state  of  hypnosis  and  though  a  bandage 
is  placed  over  her  eyes,  she  can,  nevertheless,  see  various  mo- 
tions made  by  performer. 

The  tests  themselves  are  not  of  your  own  making,  as  you 
probably  think,  but  a  certain  prearranged  system,  each  desig- 
nated by  a  certain  signal,  and  are  actually  forced  upon 
audience.  Performer  bends  down  to  a  spectator  and  asks  in  a 
low  tone  of  voice  what  shall  be  done,  suggesting  three  or  four 
of  these  tests  in  his  routine,  and  again,  following  a  line  of  least 
resistance,  you  gladly  grasp  one  of  the  ideas  conveyed;  this 
is  continued  throughout  audience,  it  being  necessary  for  per- 
former to  remember  each  test  as  slotted  to  certain  individ- 
uals. The  assistant  on  platform  being  able  to  see  through 
blindfold,  has  a  fairly  accurate  knowledge  of  the  position  of 
those  persons  participating,  but  coming  into  audience,  when 
opposite  correct  row,  performer  "sniffles"  slightly,  as  if  pos- 
sessed of  a  cold,  so  that  his  assistant  knows  absolutely  the 
correct  row  and  can  go  past  same ;  then  after  apparent  violent 
concentration  by  performer,  goes  back  to  correct  one. 

While  in  audience,  performer  is  constantly  moving  the 
hands  in  front  of  his  eyes,  as  if  they  were  an  antenna  along 
which  he  was  projecting  mental  instructions  regarding  the 
actions  to  be  carried  out.    In  reality  he  is  signaling  with  the 

86 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

fingers  numbers  which  correspond  to  test  to  be  undertaken, 
position  of  party  in  a  certain  row,  the  number  of  articles  to  be 
removed  or  knots  tied,  etc. 

When  presented  by  a  good  showman  the  above  act,  requir- 
ing only  a  fairly  retentive  memory,  is  one  of  the  most  decep- 
tive in  existence  and  will  puzzle  an  enlightened  mind,  or  one 
having  a  mediocre  insight  into  ordinary  magical  routines. 

PLAYING  SELECTED  PIECES  ON  PIANO: 

There  are  two  methods  for  presenting  an  act  of  this  char- 
acter, namely ;  by  silent  and  spoken  code. 

In  the  former,  assistant  is  seated  at  piano  on  stage; 
operator  goes  through  audience  requesting  the  names  of  popu- 
lar pieces  of  music,  operas,  old  fashioned  melodies,  etc.,  which 
are  whispered  into  his  ear  and  without  a  word  being  spoken  by 
him  assistant  immediately  plays  the  chorus  or  enough  of  each 
piece  to  prove  its  identity.  This  same  procedure  is  enacted 
throughout  the  duration  of  entire  act. 

In  the  second  version,  person  seated  at  piano  is  blindfolded 
and  operator  amongst  audience  requests  her  to  play  the  lady's 
or  gentleman's  selection,  or  allows  you  to  request  that  it  be 
played. 

In  both  of  these  systems  it  is  necessary  that  the  pianist  be 
talented  and  able  to  play  a  large  assortment  of  songs,  ballads, 
operas,  etc.,  a  hundred  or  more  being  listed,  given  a  numerical 
value  and  memorized  by  both  pianist  and  operator,  therefore 
upon  a  certain  number  being  communicated  to  assistant  she 
readily  translates  it  into  the  desired  selection. 

In  the  silent  code  these  numbers  are  transmitted  by  slight 
and  almost  imperceptible  gestures  on  part  of  performer,  whose 
body  is  divided  into  a  chart,  the  forehead,  ears,  sides  of  face, 
chin,  shoulders,  elbows,  and  hips  representing  a  certain  spec- 

87 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


ified  number,  1  to  10  inclusive,  thus  with  a  sHght  brushing 
motion  by  the  left  ear,  one  hand  on  hip,  hand  en  chin,  as  if 
in  thought,  or  a  motion  of  one  hand  toward  opposite  elbow, 
communicates  to  observing  assistant  the  numeral  correspond- 
ing to  selection  just  given  operator.  It  is  necessary  that  these 
motions  be  made  in  a  natural  and  matter-of-fact  manner, 
otherwise  it  would  be  apparent  to  a  close  observer  that  a  signal 
system  was  involved. 

The  spoken  code  is  appHed  along  lines  similar  to  those  of 
the  "object  code,"  explained  in  following  pages.  A  prear- 
ranged series  of  selections  are  given  a  numerical  value,  and 
through  direct  query  or  while  talking  to  audience,  assistant 
is  made  aware  of  the  piece  to  be  played  upon  piano.  If  allowed 
to  yourself  request  that  selection  be  played,  the  necessary 
cue  is  given  in  addressing  you  direct,  or  in  requesting  assist- 
ant to  comply  with  your  wishes. 

"OBJECT"  CODE: 

An  object  code  is  a  spoken  one  in  which  performer  blind- 
folds medium  on  stage  and  enters  audience;  Upon  being 
handed  various  articles  they  are  correctly  described  by  me- 
dium. 

The  examples  cited  herewith  are  for  objects  alone,  but 
such  a  code  is  plastic  and  may  be  applied  to  names  as  well: 
A  performer  specializing  in  this  branch  adjusts  his  code  to 
represent  sounds  as  in  shorthand,  later  filling  in  the  vowel  if 
necessary.  A  certain  set  contains  phonetic  sounds  beginning 
vidth  A — such  as  "Ad" — "Ab" — "Ac,"  etc.,  on  down  through 
alphabet  and  John  Thompson  might  be  transmitted  as  "Jn" — 
Mp — Sn."  These  are  merely  basic  examples,  as  any  system 
may  be  devised  to  suit  individual  tastes,  numerals  in  all  cases, 
however,  being  the  foundation  upon  v/hich  built. 

Again  it  may  be  used  as  a  branch  of  clairvoyant  work, 

88 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

operator  in  audience  asking  what  information  you  desire  to 
ask  of  medium,  and,  for  instance,  a  question  regarding  some 
proposed  journey  was  propounded,  operator  would  signal 
"journey,"  and  perhaps  the  name  of  town,  if  communicated 
by  you:  The  medium  necessarily  must  be  a  good  talker  and 
leads  up  in  an  indirect  manner  to  the  point,  similarly  to 
methods  adopted  by  a  crystal  gazer.  The  "coding"  can  be  dis- 
guised by  apparently  talking  to  an  individual  person;  the 
manner  in  which  the  request  for  a  query  is  placed,  etc.,  all 
this  conversation  being  carefully  followed  by  medium  on 
stage,  even  though  she  may  herself  be  talking. 

It  requires  years  of  study  and  practice  to  perfect  a  code 
act  so  that  it  is  smooth  running,  v/hereby  no  halts  are  neces- 
sary on  the  part  of  operator  or  medium,  enabling  operator  the 
instant  he  sees  an  object  to  unhesitatingly  transmit  its  correct 
set  and  numerical  value  in  this  specific  set,  and  medium  to  as 
quickly  deduce  from  these  numerals  the  object  itself. 

The  object  code  explained  herein  is  made  possible  through 
the  courtesy  of  Mr.  Arthur  Buckley,  who  with  his  wife  are 
known  as  "The  Australian  Buckleys."  During  a  period  of  ten 
years  this  talented  couple  have  been  performing  their  code  act 
and  in  that  time  covered  practically  the  entire  globe.  For 
the  past  two  years  they  have  resided  in  Chicago  where  their 
services  are  in  constant  demand  at  better  class  conventions, 
banquets,  entertainments  and  social  gatherings. 

The  information  necessary  to  embody  in  an  act  of  this  kind 
is — figures,  dates,  amounts,  countries,  shapes,  designs,  emb- 
lems, colors,  materials,  precious  stones,  metals,  animals,  birds, 
insects,  articles  and  names. 

The  figures  0  to  21  call  for  first  attention  as  they  form  a 
basis,  for  the  whole  system.    Each  of  these  numbers  are  rep- 

89 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

resented  by  a  word  or  words,  as  set  out  in  the  following  table : 

1.  Describe.  11.  Can  or  Can't. 

2.  Try.  12.  See. 

3.  Answer.  13.  Do  or  Don't. 

4.  Have.  14.  Go  on. 

5.  Name.  15.  Will  or  Well. 

6.  Next.  16.  Then. 

7.  Right.  17.  Here  or  Give. 

8.  Say  or  Speak.  18.  What 

9.  Be  Quick,  look  or  let.  19.  Now. 
10.  Call.  20.  Tell. 

0  and  10.  Quick  or  Quickly. 

"See"  only  retains  its  value  when  commencing  a  sentence. 
The  word  "quick,"  when  preceded  by  "be  quick,"  loses  its 
numerical  value  0  or  10  and  becomes  9. 

NOTE :  These  are  the  exact  words  as  used  by  Mr.  Buckley 
in  the  formulation  of  his  code.  However,  I  have  changed  their 
numerical  value,  as  it  would  be  unfair  to  take  advantage  of 
his  efforts,  the  intent  being  to  dispense  with  the  theory  enter- 
tained by  some  that  this  class  of  work  was  due  to  mind  read- 
ing, rather  than  a  lesson  in  this  branch  of  entertaining.  Using 
above  words  as  a  basis,  either  in  the  order  shown,  or  changed 
to  suit  the  individual,  a  private  code  may  be  developed,  its 
limitations  depending  upon  the  amount  of  articles  the  per- 
former desires  to  include. 

The  first  thing  to  learn  is  the  equivalent  value  of  above 
words,  enabling  them  to  be  transmitted  and  deduced  without 
an  instant's  delay;  then  a  series  of  numbers  are  dealt  with, 
endeavoring  to  make  an  as  intelligent  a  question  as  possible 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

with  these  code  words  that  necessarily  have  to  be  inserted  in 
order  to  transmit  desired  information. 

After  the  numbers  have  been  thoroughly  learned,  various 
sets  of  objects  are  assembled,  for  instance:  Money,  countries, 
etc.,  as  shown  in  a  preceding  paragraph.  Each  one  of  these 
sets  is  given  a  numerical  value:  "one"  (as  an  illustration) 
designating  countries;  "two,"  money,  continuing  throughout 
each  set.  Now  to  intelligently  convey  further  information  it  be- 
comes necessary  to  list  under  each  set  the  various  objects  per- 
taining thereto,  and  these  are  likewise  given  a  numerical 
value:  Under  countries  would  be  included  those  most  likely 
to  be  mentioned;  under  metals, — gold,  silver,  brass,  copper, 
tin,  bronze,  etc.,  etc. 

Upon  completion  you  would  have  a  list  covering  practically 
every  article  liable  to  be  handed  you  in  a  gathering  of  any 
nature. 

Each  set  and  the  article  therein  must  be  memorized  by 
both  sender  and  receiver,  so  that  the  instant  party  in  audience 
is  given  an  object,  without  hesitation  he  can  form  an  intel- 
Hgent  or  ordinary  question,  conveying  to  his  assistant  the  set 
number  and  position  this  particular  articles  occupies  in  said 
set:  As  an  example:  a  gold  watch,  Waltham  make.  A 
s.entence  is  formed  using  code  word  to  designate  "jewelry," 
this  being  the  "set,"  and  always  the  first  to  be  transmitted ;  it 
would  also  be  necessary  to  include  in  your  question  sufficient 
code  words  to  transmit  "watch"  and  "gold"  in  its  position  in 
the  metal  set ;  medium  knows  it  is  a  watch  and  therefore  the 
"metal  set"  itself  need  not  be  projected;  hkewise  number  of 
Waltham  occupied  in  jewelry  set,  or  under  the  classification 
listed.  As  it  is  apparent  from  the  question  itself  what  con- 
trolling set  is  necessary  in  order  that  questions  asked  of  as- 
sistant may  not  be  jerky  and  hesitating,  also  that  they  form 

91 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

an  ordinary  question.  As  a  literal  example  we  will  say  that 
when  performer  was  handed  a  gold  watch  he  instantly  said: 
"Can  you  see  this?  What  is  it?" — denoting  a  gold  watch,  and 
while  being  answered  learned  the  make  of  watch,  and  on  com- 
pletion of  medium's  answer,  such  as  "Yes,  I  can  see  that,  it  is 
a  watch — a  gold  watch,"  he  said,  "Now,  the  make,"  meaning 
Waltham. 

Selecting  a  few  of  Mr.  Buckley's  questions  and  answers, 
in  his  routine  they  appear  as  follows,  demonstrating  that  con- 
tinued practice  will  make  the  hardest  task  appear  verj'-  easy 
of  accomplishment: 

Q. — Look — say  this. 
Ans. — That  is  a  razor. 

Q.— Now,  the  kind? 
Ans. — A  safety  razor. 

Q. — Now,  this. 

Ans. — ^That  is  a  comb. 

Q. — Let  me  know  the  color. 
Ans. — It  is  a  black  comb. 

Q. — Can  you  see  the  length? 
Ans. — About  three  inches. 

Q. — Here,  look  at  this. 

Ans. — That  is  a  pencil. 

Q. — Look  at  this — speak  up — think — look. 

Ans. — That  is  a  safety  razor  blade. 

Q. — Here,  the  make? 

Ans. — Gillette. 

Q. — Here,  do  you  know  this? 

Ans. — Yes,  it  is  a  letter. 

Q.— And  this? 

Ans. — It's  a  stamp. 

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ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

Q. — Of  what  country? 
Alls. — France. 

Second  Sight  by  Telephone: 

In  order  to  present  a  second-sight,  clairvoyance  or  mind 
reading  act,  as  they  are  generally  termed,  it  is  not  necessarj'-  to 
always  resort  to  a  code.  Where  performances  are  given  in 
a  theater,  the  telephone  may  again  be  introduced. 

In  this  routine  it  is  necessary  that  theater  aisles  be  wired, 
using  a  carpet  with  dummy  tacks,  connected  to  wires  con- 
cealed between  the  cloth  portion;  these  wires  lead  off  under 
stage  to  a  plug,  which  connects  with  one  leg  of  the  chair  in 
which  medium  is  seated ;  from  this  plug  they  run  up  inside 
chair  to  the  back  and  terminate  at  a  sensitive  watch  case 
receiver,  concealed  in  the  folds  of  a  handkerchief-blind  lying 
across  back  of  chair.  Medium  makes  her  entrance,  is  seated, 
and  in  securing  blind  in  place  the  small  receiver  is  tied  against 
her  ear;  party  passing  along  aisles  asking  questions  of  per- 
sons seated  in  audience  has  concealed  beneath  his  shirt  bosom 
a  large  sensitive  receiving  apparatus,  connected  with  wires 
running  down  trousers'  legs  to  copper  plates  on  soles  of  shoe, 
and  in  making  a  positive  and  negative  connection  on  dummy 
tacks,  by  the  aid  of  batteries  under  stage,  anything  spoken  or 
whispered  to  performer,  within  a  short  distance  of  himself, 
will  be  heard  by  medium  on  stage,  who  proceeds  to  quote  an 
answer  to  each  individual,  much  in  the  same  style  as  adopted 
by  crystal  gazers. 

SILENT  THOUGHT  TRANSMISSION  TEST: 

Performer  enters  with  assistant  or  medium,  who  is  taken  in 
charge  by  a  committee  and  led  from  the  room  or  hall.  Dur- 
ing his  absence  several  cards  are  chosen,  a  certain  number 
selected  to  be  written  on  an  ordinary  slate  with  a  certain  color 

93 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

from  amongst  several  assorted  crayons;  a  box  of  matches  is 
counted  and  placed  on  table,  a  run-down  watch  is  next  taken 
and  set  at  a  specified  time  and  also  laid  face  down  thereon; 
two  dice  are  thrown  and  covered  with  a  cup.  The  test  may  be 
elaborated  upon  to  suit  performer's  capabilities  and  whims. 

Upon  completion  of  these  different  selections,  assistant  is 
led  into  hall  and  upon  platform,  taking  his  place  at  a  large 
blackboard  near  table  upon  which  articles  are  lying  (some- 
times a  blindfold  is  employed)  and  while  performer  is  in  au- 
dience, or  some  distance  away,  without  a  word  being  spoken, 
he  proceeds  to  write  the  names  of  chosen  cards ;  takes  up  cor- 
rect colored  crayon  and  writes  in  the  number  suggested  be- 
forehand; correctly  marks  down  number  of  matches  in  the 
box,  the  time  at  which  watch  is  set  and  the  sum  of  dice  hidden 
under  cup. 

The  secret  depends  upon  a  division  of  the  table  into  imag- 
inary squares  and  the  position  in  which  various  articles  are 
placed  on  these  squares ;  for  example,  we  will  take  an  oblong 
table,  representing  numerals  from  1  to  32;  also  designating 
the  name  of  a  certain  letter  in  the  alphabet — that  is  "1"  can 
represent  "A,"  "2,"  "B,"  and  so  forth ;  top  row  also  represents 
various  colors  as  to  be  used  for  the  crayons  or  otherwise.  The 
slate  has  a  small  known  mark  as  a  starting  point,  from  which 
it  is  divided  into  ten  imaginary  squares ;  thus  by  using  posi- 
tion of  table  in  connection  with  the  placing  of  slate  three 
numerals  are  communicated;  should  more  than  three  be  nec- 
essary, crayon  is  used  for  the  last  one  or  two  digits.  In  de- 
noting value  and  suit  of  cards  first  four  squares  designate 
suit  or  angle  of  card  illustrates  one  of  four  suits,  and  the  cor- 
responding imaginary  square  shows  correct  number  of  spots ; 
the  dice  being  covered  it  is  necessary  that  their  value  or  a 
total  of  the  spots  be  conveyed  by  the  cover  or  cup,  which  has 
a  small  nick  therein  and  is  worked  on  a  clock-dial  basis — that 

94 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

is,  if  the  nick  was  pointing  straight  up  in  line  with  table  it 
would  designate  largest  number  possible  to  throw,  namely, 
twelve;  if  total  was  three,  this  nick  would  be  placed  in  the 
same  position  as  that  numeral  occupies  on  a  clock  dial;  in 
telling  the  time  of  watch,  square  on  table  designates  minutes, 
turning  down  the  bow  on  stem  designates  under  thirty  min- 
utes, or  actual  numerical  position  shown  by  table ;  over  thirty 
minutes  by  turning  bow  up  and  placing  on  number  that  added 
to  30  will  transmit  the  correct  amount ;  position  of  hour  hand 
is  transmitted  by  the  clock  dial  principle,  watch  stem  acting 
as  an  indicator.  Should  any  article  be  in  the  position  of  next 
one,  it  is  merely  placed  on  top  thereof.  Therefore  start  with 
slate  and  large  objects  first. 

It  is  first  necessary  to  practice  with  a  table  marked  oif 
with  chalk,  you  placing  the  article  and  assistant  calling  off 
numerals ;  after  an  article  can  be  set  down  without  hesitation 
in  a  desired  position,  the  lines  are  erased  and  practice  con- 
tinued with  plain  topped  table.  It  is  also  very  essential  that 
the  correct  position  of  an  article  be  figured  out  before  being 
laid  on  the  table,  so  that  this  can  be  accomplished  without 
any  show  of  study,  otherwise  suspicion  would  be  instantly 
aroused  by  your  actions. 

In  writing  on  blackboard,  if  blindfolded,  assistant  should 
be  in  such  a  position  that  he  can  see  the  table  below  his  blind 
and  by  figuring  out  various  positions  occupied  by  articles  is 
enabled  to  immediately  write  down  the  value  of  cards,  time 
shown  by  watch,  and  continue  thusly  with  each  article. 

Proper  practice  by  two  persons  will  enable  them  to  present 
a  very  interesting  experiment  at  social  gatherings,  though 
a  similar  procedure  to  that  explained  has  been  employed  pro- 
fessionally. 


95 


SPIRITUALISTIC    EFFECTS 

Floating  Light: 

USING  this  trickery  in  conjunction  with  other  psychic 
effects  or  as  a  single  item  of  mystification  the  result  is 
uncanny.  Operator  can  be  thoroughly  searched,  yet  when  lights 
in  room  are  turned  out  a  small  light  is  seen  floating  around, 
despite  the  fact  that  operator  may  be  securely  tied  to  a  chair. 

This  is  accomplished  by  having  a  piece  of  heavy  isinglass 
about  1414  inches  wide  by  2  inches  coming  to  a  sharp  point  at 
one  end;  it  contains  a  heavy  coat  of  luminous  paint,  exposed 
for  some  time  to  a  strong  light ;  this  article  is  shoved  into  heel 
of  shoe  and  rests  against  instep,  preventing  its  being  walked 
on.  When  lights  are  extinguished  operator  merely  raises  his 
leg  and  moves  it  about,  such  action  being  facilitated  if  seated 
in  a  chair  with  arms  tied.  If  feet  are  bound  it  is  necessary  to 
extricate  himself  before  the  phenomena  can  take  place. 

Materialization : 

There  are  two  forms  of  materialization,  cabinet  and  body 
production. 

Very  few  mediums  have  the  space,  money  or  inclination  to 
resort  to  a  pretentious  cabinet,  capable  of  the  most  mystifying 
materializations.  A  cabinet  as  used  by  stage  workers  can  be 
utilized  without  extinguishing  the  lights,  however,  only  those 
in  front  of  same  remain  illuminated  which,  instead  of  betray- 
the  interior,  act  as  a  shield,  partly  blinding  and  obstruct- 
ing the  view  of  actual  occurrences.  Interior  of  this  materiali- 
zation cabinet  is  black,  consequently  articles  painted  white 

96 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


will  be  visible,  even  though  a  foot  or  more  inside.  Across  its 
back,  a  couple  of  feet  from  rear  wall,  is  stretched  a  black 
slit  curtain,  behind  which  assistant  is  concealed,  he  or  she 
being  dressed  entirely  in  black,  with  gloves  of  this  color  and 
a  light  dark  gauze  covering  head  and  preventing  this  party's 
eye-balls  betraying  their  presence  inside. 

Tamborines,  bells,  etc.,  are  played,  assistant  merely  reach- 
ing cut  and  grasping  same  unseen  by  spectators.  Where 
chairs  or  tables  are  made  to  rise,  it  is  accomplished  through 
the  aid  of  a  stick  painted  black.  Lights  are  caused  to  flash 
about  cabinet,  these  being  nothing  more  than  pieces  of  card- 
board daubed  v»ith  luminous  paint;  a  hand  is  seen  floating 
around  and  finally  a  ghostly  form  rises  from  the  floor  and 
moves  about;  then  faces  m.ake  their  appearance,  and  fade 
slov/ly  from  vision.  The  form  seen  to  rise  from  cabinet  floor 
is  a  piece  of  gauze,  treated  with  luminous  paint;  it  is  intro- 
duced into  the  interior  of  cabinet  by  assistant,  under  cover  of 
a  black  cloth,  and  gradually  raised  upwards.  In  disappearing, 
this  luminous  gauze  is  allowed  to  sink  to  floor,  covered  with 
black  cloth  and  removed  through  slit;  the  hand  is  a  wax  one, 
painted  like  the  form  and  is  moved  around  by  assistant;  the 
faces  seen  are  merely  those  cut  from  magazine  covers,  or 
otherwise  provided  being,  like  previously  mentioned  articles, 
coated  with  a  thin  solution  of  luminous  paint. 

The  most  pretentious  materialization  ever  accomplished  is 
in  the  performance  offered  by  Hov/ard  Thurston,  a  well  known 
magician.  It  will  repay  any  person  doubting  the  authenticity 
of  these  assertions  to  visit  one  of  Mr.  Thurston's  interesting 
offerings.  I  am  not  boosting  for  the  ticket  office,  but  after 
witnessing  various  crude  materializations  effected  by  me- 
diums, you  will  see  a  far  superior  one,  and  no  spirits  from 
the  world  beyond  participated  therein. 

The  common  form  of  materialization  adopted  by  mediums 

97 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

takes  place  in  a  darkened  seance  room.  After  various  tests 
and  only  upon  favored  occasions  will  it  be  undertaken  (pre- 
sumably when  the  financial  reward  is  sufficient  or  only  the 
deeply  engrossed  disciples  are  present).  Perhaps  medium 
is  secured  to  a  chair,  but  as  explained,  this  offers  no  hindrance 
to  free  movement.  Suddenly  a  voice  of  one  deceased  starts 
talking  to  the  person  interested  and  then  a  faint  glow  is  seen, 
a  form  emerges  with  a  faint  outline  of  a  woman's  face;  it 
whispers  words  of  cheer,  floating  away  from  medium  towards 
sitters;  then  gradually  recedes,  disappearing  entirely  from 
view.  The  person  being  communicated  with  will  generally 
affirm  that  it  was  an  exact  image  of  a  departed  daughter,  we 
will  say  in  this  case,  but  had  the  lights  been  suddenly  turned 
on  it  would  have  revealed  the  medium  removing  from  the 
folds  of  her  skirt  a  length  of  gauze,  surmounted  by  a  woman's 
head,  coated  as  shown  in  the  previous  article,  the  floating 
being  accomplished  through  the  aid  of  a  telescopic  rod. 

ATYPICAL  SEANCE: 

In  describing  this  seance,  no  particular  meeting  is  in  mind ; 
it  refers  to  generalities,  for  very  few  mediums  would  endeavor 
to  accomplish  so  many  effects  at  one  time. 

Entering  the  room,  after  making  a  donation  at  outer  door, 
which  you  are  informed  is  $1.00  (no  war  tax  is  paid  on  dona- 
tions), you  take  a  seat  in  the  circle,  medium  and  assistants 
giving  you  the  once  over,  if  I  may  use  such  an  expression,  en- 
deavoring to  determine,  if  a  stranger,  whether  or  not  your 
actions  are  suspicious,  also  making  note  of  anything  that  may 
be  used  to  value  later  on;  if  a  regular  attendant,  a  mental 
memorandum  is  made  so  that  you  may  be  sure  of  having  a 
message  communicated  from  a  loving  daughter,  for  the  more 
frequent  you  hear  from  her  the  oftener  you  will  attend,  and 
incidentally,  the  more  you  will  contribute. 

98 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

The  meeting  is  started  off  by  all  present  singing  hymns, 
followed  by  speeches  from  members  (those  on  the  inside), 
who  in  excited  tones  tell  of  visits  paid  and  messages  communi- 
cated to  them,  perhaps  extolling  the  wonderful  results  ob- 
tained through  medium  in  question.  Occasionally  a  poor  dupe, 
his  mind  saturated  with  fear  and  superstition,  will  describe 
a  vision,  occurring  only  through  pure  imagination.  Great 
interest  and  intense  concentration  is  thus  worked  up,  like 
children  listening  to  ghost  stories  at  bed-time;  all  this  with 
a  purpose  in  view;  that  of  placing  the  mind  in  a  receptive 
mood  in  order  to  be  easily  impressed  by  events  to  soon  take 
place. 

Possibly  medium  makes  a  vivid  talk,  informing  her  audi- 
tors that  by  great  concentration  she  expects  a  visit  from  some 
well  known  spiritualists,  now  deceased.  A  circle  is  formed, 
all  holding  hands,  v/ith  medium  at  outer  edge,  the  dupes 
furthest  away,  the  co-workers  nearest  medium.  Holding 
hands  prevents  a  break  in  the  ranks,  preventing  intrusion  of 
one  at  a  critical  moment,  or  the  use  of  hands  to  play  a  flash- 
light upon  the  spiritual  worker. 

If  questions  were  written  beforehand,  medium  is  securely 
bound  to  a  chair,  the  messages  and  a  trumpet  placed  on  table, 
together  with  a  slate,  a  bell,  or  any  such  articles;  the  lights 
are  lowered  by  an  assistant  and  medium  goes  through  the 
sickening  process  of  entering  into  a  trance.  Lights  are  then 
entirely  extinguished  and  the  voice  of  medium's  "control"  is 
heard.       She  then  informs  them  that  "Grace"  is  here  and 

wants  to  talk  to  Mrs.  .     This  woman  excitedly 

announces  her  presence,  whereupon  Grace  proceeds  to  give 
her  valuable  advice  (?)  in  response  to  a  question  previously 
written  on  a  card.  In  between  arrival  of  spirits  the  control 
brings  words  of  good  cheer,  the  bell  rings  and  the  tambourine 
plays.    Perhaps  one  or  two  present  are  favored  with  a  view 

v9 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

of  their  departed  relatives;  in  other  words,  they  are  mate- 
rialized and  communicate  with  the  loved  ones  present.  Finally 
medium's  control  states  that  she  must  be  going  back  to  her 
spirit  world  and  the  bell  is  heard  to  ring,  finally  landing  with 
a  loud  noise  upon  the  floor,  which  is  a  signal  for  lights  to  be 
turned  on,  and  there,  there  lies  the  poor  medium  in  a  dead 
trance,  unaware  of  what  has  taken  place  and  so  weak  that  the 
meeting  has  to  be  dismissed  without  further  adieu. 

And  yet  they  fall  for  it — perhaps  the  average  mind  does 
not  dream  of  trickery,  or  look  for  same,  so  my  advice  is  to 
provide  yourself  with  a  good  strong  pocket  lamp  and  when  a 
materialization  or  other  phenomena  is  taking  place,  flash  same 
upon  medium,  which  will  discover  her  "control,"  but  don't  be 
alone  or  you  may  need  the  services  of  an  ambulance. 

A  reader  should  have  no  trouble  in  following  routine  em- 
ployed in  order  to  cause  above  manifestations. 

The  medium  was  tied  to  chair — one  of  the  folding  type 
variety — her  wrists  being  fastened  together  at  sides  of  same, 
the  rope  going  underneath  seat,  whereby  it  does  not  seem  pos- 
sible they  could  be  released  from  this  position:  However, 
medium  sits  well  back  in  chair  while  being  tied,  and  no  matter 
how  many  knots  are  placed  on  the  first  Avrist,  in  tieing  second 
one  only  the  end  of  rope  is  usable,  so  instead  of  tieing  knots 
you  are  making  "hitches"  or  a  slip-knot.  To  get  hands  close 
enough  together  in  order  to  obtain  slack  on  this  last  wrist, 
medium  moves  up  so  as  to  be  on  extreme  edge  of  chair,  from 
which  position  the  hands  can  be  brought  together  under  seat 
of  chair  and  by  pulling  on  rope  around  wrist  it  is  instantly 
released ;  the  bell  can  be  rung,  a  message  written  on  slate,  etc. 
The  trumpet  used  is  one  with  a  block  fitting  over  its  end; 
materialized  forms  are  pieces  of  cheap  gauze.  At  conclusion, 
while  medium  is  re-inserting  hands  and  making  cord  fast,  the 
bell  is  held  between  her  teeth  and  the  instant  it  falls  onto 

100 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


floor,  being  given  a  toss  so  that  it  will  not  be  in  close  proxim- 
ity, lights  are  turned  on. 

There  is  also  a  reason  for  this  hurried  exit.  You  might 
want  to  ask  embarrassing  questions,  and  knowing  what  has 
transpired,  if  given  an  opportunity,  something  out  of  the 
ordinary  might  be  noticed. 


101 


MISCELLANEOUS 

UNDER  "Miscellaneous"  will  be  found  effects  that  can 
properly  be  termed  "Magic  Tricks"  yet  related  in  a  way 
to  psychic  experiments;  they  are  all  deceptive  and  the  most 
interesting  of  many  which  could  possibly  be  embraced  under 
this  classification. 

THE  LIVING  AND  THE  DEAD: 

A  parlor  experiment  of  considerable  interest.  Taking  a 
sheet  of  note  paper,  the  one  presenting  requests  a  party  to , 
tear  into  strips,  illustrating  his  words  by  tearing  off  one  of 
the  desired  size.  It  is  requested  that  on  first  three,  or  four, 
names  of  living  friends  be  written,  while  on  last  slip  that  of  a 
departed  friend,  at  conclusion  all  of  them  to  be  folded  several 
times. 

During  the  time  required  for  filling  in  slips  of  paper, 
operator  walks  to  another  part  of  the  room,  and  at  conclu- 
sion of  his  instructions  advances  to  table,  and  immediately 
picks  up  pellet  bearing  the  name  of  a  deceased  person. 

An  ordinary  piece  of  note  paper  can  be  torn  into  five  or 
six  strips ;  performer  tears  off  one  of  the  desired  size  from  top 
of  paper  and  measures  off  distance  for  remaining  slips,  not 
having  them  severed  until  all  names  have  been  written.  This 
cutting  up  into  strips  is  done  by  the  aid  of  a  ruler.  The  slip 
torn  off  by  demonstrator  is  used  to  show  how  the  others  are  to 
be  folded  and  thus  disposed  of.  It  will  be  observed  that  all 
slips  torn  off  from  now  on  will  have  two  rough  edges,  except 
bottom  portion,  containing  name  of  dead  person,  and  all  the 

102 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

skill  required  is  to  spot  folded  up  pellet  with  one  smooth  edge. 

The  Haunted  Handkerchief: 

Suitable  for  stage  or  double-parlor  presentation. 

Performer  borrows  a  handkerchief,  tieing  a  knot  in  one 
corner,  then  apparently  mesmerizing  same  it  remains  sus- 
pended in  air  without  visible  support;  it  is  then  raised  or 
lowered,  performer  walking  all  around  same.  After  various 
antics  have  been  displayed,  handkerchief  is  handed  back  to 
owner  with  knot  still  remaining,  however,  leaving  no  clue  as 
to  the  origin  of  these  spooky  actions. 

Across  stage  or  room,  with  ends  running  into  wings  or  out 
of  sight  in  room,  is  a  thread  lying  on  the  floor ;  performer  bor- 
rows handkerchief  and  walks  over  and  passes  thread,  which  is 
immediately  raised  by  unseen  assistants  to  a  level  with  his 
hands,  and  when  placing  the  knot  he  actually  ties  it  around 
the  thread ;  assistants,  following  motions  of  performer,  cause 
it  to  cut  capers  around  the  stage,  going  up  and  down,  side 
ways  or  forv/ards  and  backwards  or  dancing  around;  when 
lowered  to  floor  performer  may  walk  all  about  it,  or  when  up 
several  feet,  by  one  assistant,  who  is  on  a  ladder,  raising  his 
thread  high  in  the  air,  he  is  enabled  to  walk  under  it,  to  one 
side  only. 

At  conclusion  handkerchief  is  held  by  performer  for  a 
few  seconds,  allowing  time  for  one  assistant  to  pull  thread, 
through  knot  before  being  returned  to  owner. 

While  very  simple  of  operation,  a  great  deal  of  laughter 
can  be  created  by  the  adoption  of  this  handkerchief  trick. 

SECOND  SIGHT  WITH  CLOCK: 

Handing  an  ordinary  alarm  clock,  v/hich  has  been  allowed 
to  run  down,  to  anyone  present,  request  that  they  set  the  min- 

103 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


ute  hand  at  any  hour,  laying  it  face  down  on  table.  It  may 
be  covered  with  a  cloth,  if  this  procedure  is  desired  to  be  fol- 
lowed. In  any  event  you  correctly  state  the  hour  to  which 
this  hand  points,  and  may  repeat  the  process  as  often  as  you 
wish. 

J'he  secret  is  extremely  simple.  Set  minute  hand  so  as  to 
point  to  twelve  then  make  a  vertical  scratch  across  the  button 
at  back  of  clock,  but  see  to  it  that  this  scratch  is  slightly  wider 
at  the  top.  When  button  is  moved,  the  scratch  v/ill  indicate 
position  of  the  minute  hand,  by  considering  it  as  a  minature 
dial,  except  that  the  mark  will  move  in  an  opposite  direction 
to  an  actual  dial;  thus  if  set  at  four  o'clock  your  indicator 
would  be  at  eight  on  regular  dial;  just  count  off  in  the  op- 
posite direction,  that  is,  to  left,  and  you  will  arrive  at  "four" 
on  reversed  dial. 

If  cloth  is  used,  just  have  one  large  enough  to  cover  face 
and  part  of  side,  where  it  is  held  by  a  rubber  band,  leaving 
back  exposed  to  view. 

A  stock  article  is  manufactured  by  magical  dealers  for  this 
purpose,  being  a  mahogany  case  containing  a  clock  dial  with 
one  hand,  a  sliding  panel  enables  same  to  be  shut  off  from 
view.  Operator  can  tell  at  what  hour  set  by  a  screw  in  back  of 
this  wooden  frame,  which  revolves  with  the  hand,  it  having 
a  small  scratch  to  designate  proper  position.  It  is  necessary 
to  read  as  on  a  reverse  dial,  the  same  as  explained  above. 

PENETRATING  GLASS  OF  WATER: 

A  center  base  table,  with  a  circular  glass  top  rests  upon 
platform,  also  a  glass  partly  filled  with  water.  Performer  bor- 
rows a  derby  hat  from  a  member  present,  places  a  handker- 
chief over  glass  of  water  and  thereon  rests  the  derby;  on 
command  the  hat  is  seen  to  gradually  sink  down,  the  glass 

104 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

apparently  penetrating  its  crown,  and  when  flat  on  table  it  is 
unmistakably  removed  from  the  inside. 

The  hat  is  an  ordinary  article  and  may  belong  to  one  of 
audience,  likewise  is  glass  partly  filled  with  water,  but  the 
table  is  not  as  innocent  as  appears  from  a  casual  glance. 

In  center  of  glass  top  is  a  piece  of  nickel-plated  metal,  the 
same  circumstance  as  an  ordinary  drinking  glass,  which  can 
be  raised  four  inches  above  table  top  by  performer  stepping 
on  a  trigger  located  in  base  of  table;  this  metal  extension  is 
connected  with  a  plunger  running  dovv^n  through  rod  support- 
ing top  into  a  compartment  filled  with  water,  which  offers 
enough  resistance  to  sustain  in  elevated  condition  the  weight 
of  metal  disc  and  hat  with  partly  fi.lled  glass  of  water  inside. 
Below  this  compartment  with  water  is  another,  and  if  a  string 
leading  oflT  stage  is  pulled  a  minute  opening  is  made  in  upper 
compartment,  allowing  water  to  slowly  penetrate  lower  one, 
and  as  the  water  recedes  in  upper  compartment  the  plunger 
also  lowers  until  metal  base  is  flat  upon  table  top. 

In  v/orking,  performer  places  glass  of  water  in  center  of 
table,  but  under  cover  of  handkerchief  pulls  it  back  several 
inches,  at  same  time  raising  the  rod  with  metal  plate  and  it 
is  over  this  handkerchief  rests,  resembling  a  covered  glass; 
it  is  smoothed  at  back  so  as  not  to  cover  actual  glass,  which, 
however,  is  hid  by  its  folds.  Placing  hat  on  top  of  metal  fake 
(presumably  the  glass)  he  asks  if  it  shall  go  through  the 
crown,  or  through  the  side,  at  same  time  turning  hat  over  on 
side,  clipping  top  of  glass  of  water  between  his  fingers  and 
swinging  into  inside  of  hat  as  it  is  placed  up  right  again. 
When  assistant  pulls  cord,  hat  and  glass  slowly  sink  to  table 
level,  the  glass  is  actually  removed  from  inside  the  derby  and 
handkerchief  taken  away,  leaving  no  visible  signs  as  to  how 
penetration  was  accomplished. 

105 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


HINDOO  LOTA: 

This  is  a  bowl  about  five  inches  high  and  six  inches  in 
diameter,  nickeled  on  outside  and  painted  black  on  inside. 
After  proving  empty  by  holding  upside  down,  it  is  placed  on 
table  or  other  receptacle,  after  which  a  quantity  of  water  is 
poured  therefrom  until  again  empty;  the  same  operation  is 
repeated  four  or  five  times. 

The  open  neck  of  this  lota  is  about  three  inches  in 
diameter  and  a  partition  goes  straight  down  from  this  neck 
to  bottom  of  lota,  having  a  small  opening  at  bottom ;  this  par- 
tition creates  a  large  compartment  around  the  sides.  To  fill 
this  compartment  lota  is  submerged  in  water  until  filled  and 
a  small  piece  of  wax  placed  over  the  air  hole  in  top,  and  after 
getting  rid  of  water  now  in  partition  no  more  will  run  into  it 
until  air  is  allowed  to  penetrate  the  filled  chambers. 

As  the  inside  is  painted  black  partition  is  invisible  a  few 
feet  distant,  so  performer  may  hold  towards  audience  and 
invert,  but  in  placing  down  the  wax  is  removed  by  thumb 
nail  Vv^hich  allows  water  to  enter  center  compartment  to  its 
own  level  in  the  sides ;  placing  thumb  over  air  hole  this  water 
is  dumped  out,  and  no  more  will  leave  side  chambers  until 
thumb  is  removed  from  air  hole;  each  time  water  will  reach 
its  own  level  and  stop  flowing  into  center  compartment,  until 
entire  supply  has  been  exhausted. 

THE  BEWITCHED  UMBRELLA: 

A  borrowed  umbrella  is  taken  in  left  hand,  the  ferrule  laid 
across  open  palm  of  right  hand ;  a  volunteer  assistant  grasping 
the  handle  is  unable  to  lift  it  from  your  hand  until  so  willed. 

Make  a  loop  of  strong  black  thread  of  sufficient  length  so 
that  when  one  end  is  secured  to  suspended  button  on  left  side 
and  the  other  end  is  carried  up  across  back  and  down  right 

106 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

sleeve,  looped  over  little  finger  of  right  hand,  your  right  arm 
is  allowed  plenty  of  freedom;  yet  when  loop  is  released  and 
right  arm  extended,  it  will  vanish  up  your  sleeve. 

Facing  your  audience,  assistant  is  placed  on  the  left ;  grasp 
umbrella  in  left  hand,  holding  same  about  the  middle,  ferrule 
to  your  right.  Right  hand  grasps  ferrule,  allowing  it  to  slip 
into  the  loop  snug  against  cloth  of  umbrella.  Spectator  takes 
hold  of  handle,  at  same  time  your  left  hand  slides  along  um- 
brella up  against  right  hand.  Remove  the  right  one,  showing 
empty  by  displaying  both  sides,  the  thread  being  hid  by  left 
hand  and  right  wrist.  Place  right  hand,  palm  up,  under  fer- 
rule, allowing  loop  to  come  between  first  and  second  fingers 
and  extend  slightly  in  order  to  tauten  thread.  Left  hand  moves 
above  umbrella  as  if  magnetising.  Now  have  assistant  grasp 
with  both  hands,  near  handle,  and  endeavor  to  remove  from 
your  palm.  It  will  be  impossible  for  him  to  do  so,  if  thread 
is  taut,  as  the  stick  itself  will  break  before  the  thread. 

At  conclusion,  slide  loop  off  ferrule,  pulling  up  sleeve  and 
of  course  the  rain  stick  may  now  be  lifted  with  ease. 

FINDING  HIDDEN  ARTICLES  WHILE  BLINDFOLDED: 

Crystal  gazers,  clairvoyants  and  similar  entertainers  when 
arriving  at  a  town  in  which  their  engagement  was  to  take 
place,  in  order  to  create  publicity,  performed  various  tests 
before  their  stage  appearance. 

One  of  the  widely  discussed  feats  was  that  of  locating 
some  hidden  object  while  blindfolded  and  accompanied  by  a 
committee  of  public  citizens.  The  group  would  start  out  from 
a  newspaper  office,  or  some  prominent  spot  in  the  down-town 
district,  either  afoot,  or  by  automobile,  performer  giving  them 
directions,  such  as  start  to  the  east;  after  a  certain  distance 
was  traversed  he  would  again  give  his  orders,  gradually  arriv- 

107 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

ing  at  the  immediate  vicinity  of  hidden  article,  when  he  would 
take  one  of  those  participating  in  actual  concealment,  holding 
him  by  the  arm,  slowly  locate  exact  spot,  and  recover  the 
article  in  question. 

As  a  general  rule  this  test  was  conducted  through  con- 
nivance with  one  member  of  the  committee,  he  being  reached 
beforehand,  through  lodge  affiliation,  the  payment  of  money, 
etc.,  and  who  probably  suggested  this  test  (at  the  instigation 
of  performer). 

Being  on  the  committee  that  hid  the  object  he  was  av/are 
of  its  location,  yet  could  not  communicate  this  fact  openly  to 
performer,  but  following  prearranged  instructions  he  man- 
aged to  obtain  a  seat  alongside  performer,  holding  onto  his 
arm  or  leg  and  communicating  necessary  directions  to  be  fol- 
lowed by  a  pressure  upon  the  arm,  such  as  one  for  turn  to 
right,  two  for  left  and  when  approaching  object,  three  pres- 
sures was  a  signal  to  dismount.  Knowing  that  hidden  object 
was  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  performer  could  continue  his 
former  antics  or,  in  lieu,  take  his  confederate's  arm,  who  by 
a  very  slight  contraction  of  arm  muscles  continued  to  flash 
instruction  signals  until  hidden  article  was  retrieved. 

Not  every  individual  resorted  to  this  form  of  trickery.  A 
few  were  so  far  advanced  in  muscle  reading,  as  it  was  termed, 
that  they  could  tell  from  the  relaxations  and  expansions  of 
nerves  and  muscles  whether  or  not  the  right  directions  were 
being  followed.  For  instance,  if  a  turn  was  made  to  the  right, 
and  this  was  correct,  the  nerves  would  remain  passive,  but  if 
performer  had  made  a  mistake  an  involuntary  start  on  assist- 
ant's part  was  made  known  to  performer,  who  changed  his  in- 
structions. This  was  a  slow  procedure  and  not  always  sure- 
fire, while  the  former  could  be  relied  upon,  and  unless  satis- 
factorily consummated,  detracted  from,  rather  than  enhanced 
the  test  as  a  drawing  card  for  the  actual  performance 

108 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

THE  SPIRIT  ANSWER: 

To  members  of  audience  is  passed  a  dozen  or  so  plain  en- 
velopes, pieces  of  blank  paper  and  pencils,  with  a  request  that 
they  write  upon  this  paper,  or  paper  in  their  possession,  any 
question  desired  answered,  sealing  up  in  envelop  and  to  be 
sure  and  place  no  identification  marks  on  outside  of  container, 
for  a  very  important  reason  that  will  later  be  explained. 

These  sealed  envelopes  are  collected  by  an  assistant,  being 
brought  upon  the  platform  and  deposited  in  a  glass  bov/1 
resting  on  performer's  table.  Performer  delivers  a  discourse 
upon  the  peculiar  workings  of  unseen  spirits,  calling  attention 
further  to  what  has  just  taken  place,  that  envelopes  are  in 
plain  view  and  lack  of  identification  marks  precludes  the 
theory  that  an  assistant  or  confederate  enters  into  the  execu- 
tion of  this  eft^ect:  To  make  it  still  fairer  a  boy  or  girl  is 
requested  to  pick  out  any  one  of  the  envelops,  which  is  held 
by  performer  in  plain  view  and  then  placed  in  center  of  a 
white  handkerchief,  whose  four  corners  are  tied  together,  a 
moment  later  being  deposited  in  a  small  glass  bowl  brought 
in  by  assistant  during  the  trick.  Without  any  false  moves  or 
substitution  this  bowl  is  passed  to  some  well  known  person 
with  a  request  that  envelopes  be  removed  from  handkerchief, 
opened  and  enclosed  message  read.  On  being  done  it  is  found 
that  on  this  same  sheet  is  written  a  fairly  intelligent  answer 
to  the  query. 

Method  of  working:  All  the  articles  used  are  ordinary, 
but  when  envelopes  are  collected  by  assistant,  on  return  to 
stage,  he  palms  one,  or  keeps  concealed  in  band  of  hat,  dump- 
ing remainder  into  the  bowl.  Assistant  retires  to  wings,  opens 
envelope,  reading  message,  writing  as  intelligent  an  answer  as 
possible  thereto,  and  reseals  same  in  a  duplicate  container, 
which  is  placed  and  tied  in  a  handkerchif  similar  to  one  per- 
former is  to  use.    In  bringing  in  sm.all  glass  bowl  he  has  this 

109 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


handkerchief  concealed  behind  it,  and  in  setting  bowl  down 
on  table  drops  the  duplicate  handkerchief  onto  a  servante  (a 
small  invisible  shelf  attached  to  performer's  table  several 
inches  below  its  top).  The  choice  of  envelope  from  large 
bowl  is  absolutely  unrestricted;  this  selection  is  fairly  placed 
in  handkerchief  and  tied ;  it  is  then  held  in  performer's  right 
hand  and  as  he  turns  to  the  left  to  pick  up  small  bowl  with 
left  hand,  the  right  for  a  fraction  of  a  second  goes  below 
table,  dropping  the  original  and  picking  up  the  duplicate, 
which  is  deposited  in  the  small  bowl.  This  is  a  natural  move- 
ment, but  should  be  studied  in  order  to  execute  in  a  matter 
of  fact  manner,  never,  of  course,  allowing  your  eyes  to  follow 
the  movements  of  this  hand,  but  to  concentrate  upon  your  left 
as  it  picks  up  the  bowl. 

It  naturally  follows  that  upon  opening  of  message,  an 
answer  thereto  is  found  written  in  a  heavy  hand,  so  as  to  be 
plainly  visible. 

The  move  above  described  will  be  found  invaluable  in 
various  magic  tricks  and  psychic  effcts. 

THE  GHOST'S  MESSAGE: 

A  beautiful  psychic  experiment  for  parlor  entertainment 
consists  of  the  following: 

From  his  pocket  the  entertainer  takes  out  a  package  of 
cigarette  papers,  allowing  some  individual  to  remove  one  of 
the  tissues;  while  this  is  transpiring  he  lays  upon  the  table 
three  pieces  of  paper,  about  two  inches  square,  colored  red, 
blue  and  green,  one  of  which  is  selected  by  a  disinterested 
party.  The  cigarette  paper  is  now  handed  to  some  lady  with  a 
request  that  she  roll  into  a  ball,  at  the  same  time  another  per- 
son is  asked  to  give  you  a  number  between  1  and  100.  When 
the  paper  has  been  rolled  into  a  compact  ball  by  assisting  lady 
she  is  asked  to  place  it  upon  the  chosen  color,  whereupon 

110 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

performer  chants  some  mysterious  words  and  has  her  again 
take  paper  and  unroll.  When  straightened  out  written  upon 
in  the  color  named  is  found  the  chosen  number. 

In  right  hand  trousers'  pocket  operator  has  a  duplicate 
package  of  cigarette  papers,  glued  to  a  piece  of  stiff  card- 
board, facilitating  the  writing  thereon;  also  three  stubs  of 
pencils  to  correspond  with  colored  papers  used,  being  distin- 
guished by  notching  the  ends. 

After  laying  colored  papers  on  table  and  one  is  chosen, 
he  locates  this  corresponding  colored  stub  in  pocket,  and 
when  number  is  given  proceeds  to  write  it  upon  the  top 
cigarette  paper,  tearing  same  off  and  rolling  up  in  pocket  as 
near  as  possible  resemble  the  job  done  by  lady,  bringing  out 
of  pocket  concealed  between  second  and  third  fingers  at  their 
base. 

In  telhng  lady  to  set  paper  down,  you  do  not  specify  "on 
the  chosen  color,"  and  when  it  is  placed  on  table,  state:  "It 
must  be  placed  on  the  chosen  color,"  proceeding  yourself  to 
pick  up  her  pellet  with  first  two  fingers  and  thumb,  and  when 
over  chosen  color,  your  concealed  paper  is  dropped  and  her's 
carried  away. 

In  presenting  this  experiment  you  should  keep  right  hand 
in  pocket  throughout,  conveying  the  impression  that  it  was  a 
habit,  otherwise  undesired  attention  would  be  directed  to 
your  movements  at  the  critical  moment. 

SACK  ESCAPES: 

This  properly  belongs  entirely  to  the  realm  of  magic,  and 
several  methods  are  explained  in  books  on  rope  and  handcuff 
releases,  however,  as  it  is  employed  occasionally  by  mediums 
to  demonstrate  the  impossibility  of  interference  on  their  part 
during  a  certain  test,  and  as  a  matter  of  general  information, 

111 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

will  explain  a  few  methods,  enabling  one  to  instantly  extricate 
himself  from  the  folds  of  a  sack  or  bag. 

The  Bottomless  Sack: 

Where  an  instant  escape  is  necessary  and  close  examination 
will  not  be  given  the  articles  employed,  a  large  sack,  at  least 
three  feet  longer  than  person  to  occupy,  has  its  entire  bottom 
removed.  The  sack  is  lying  in  position  for  assistant  or  medium 
to  step  into,  and  when  inside,  the  feet  are  placed  on  the  bottom 
folds;  balance  of  sack  is  taken  up  over  head  and  secured, 
waxed,  labeled  and  otherwise  treated,  but  when  lights  are  out 
or  curtain  drawn,  party  inside  merely  pulls  bag  over  the  head 
and  after  completing  his  mission  enters  sack,  steps  once  again 
on  the  folds  and  attending  committee  will  find  all  seals,  etc., 
absolutely  intact. 

Double  Sack : 

At  times  a  person  is  fastened  in  one  sack,  which  is  placed 
inside  a  larger,  and  the  mouth  of  this  latter  one  securely  tied 
and  sealed. 

In  this  method  the  inner  sack  has  a  split  therein,  making 
escape  possible,  while  the  larger  is  of  the  bottomless  variety 
above  described. 

Stealing  Slack: 

When  an  ordinary  sack  is  used,  performer  or  medium  con- 
ceals about  their  person  a  small  circular  pillow  of  straw  and 
after  bag  is  drawn  above  head  and  neck  is  being  put  in  place 
for  tieing,  the  little  sack,  or  pillow,  is  inserted  into  upper  folds, 
so  that  the  cord  is  tied  around  it.  When  placed  into  cabinet, 
or  out  of  view,  the  person  inside  bag  pulls  dov/n  this  small 
sack,  leaving  sufficient  room  to  insert  hand  and  pull  off  bind- 
ings or  to  work  them  off  through  imprisoning  sack.     Upon 

112 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

entering,  if  this  is  undertaken,  the  small  parcel  is  pushed  into 
place,  taking  up  the  slack  on  neck,  after,  of  course,  working 
the  rope  or  tape  into  position. 

This  method  is  seldom  used  except  for  escapes,  as  too  much 
time  is  consumed  in  fixing  cord  back  into  place. 

Mail  Sack  Escape: 

Undoubtedly  the  idea  of  employing  a  mail  sack  was  to 
lessen  any  thought  of  trickery,  and  the  bag  itself  is  not 
tricked,  being  just  as  it  appears,  a  heavy,  leather-enforced, 
canvas  bag  with  brass  bound  eyelets  at  the  top  for  insertion 
of  a  l^-inch  steel  bar,  which  is  locked  in  place  after  slack  has 
been  taken  in. 

The  secret  of  this  escape  lies  in  the  bar  itself,  one  end  hav- 
ing a  large  eye-bolt,  which  cannot  pass  through  eyelets,  the 
other  end  being  secured  with  a  padlock,  furnished  by  specta- 
tors if  so  desired. 

The  eye-bolt  end  will  unscrew,  but  removable  bart  is  se 
finely  fitted  as  to  be  invisible  under  ordinary  scrutiny.  To  re- 
lease himself,  the  person  inside  grasps  padlocked  end  with  one 
hand,  through  the  sack,  securing  a  hold  on  ej^e-bolt  with  op- 
posite hand  and  proceeds  to  unscrew  same,  which  will  enable 
the  bar  to  pass  through  eye-lets.  If  desired  to  be  found  still 
locked  in  sack,  the  bar  is  put  in  place  and  bolt  screwed  on 
from  inside. 

The  secret  of  this  Mail  Sack  Escape  is  probably  the  hardest 
to  detect  of  any,  and  on  its  face  will  be  less  liable  to  arouse 
suspicion  as  to  tampering.  Allow  a  thorough  inspection  of 
the  bag  and  only  a  casual  one  of  the  bar,  which  apparently 
is  but  a  minor  factor  of  the  apparatus. 

BLACK  ART: 

This  is  essentially  a  stage  production  but  in  the  wierd 

113 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

effects  introduced  certainly  smacks  of  other  than  human  aid. 

On  a  stage  entirely  devoid  of  light  performer  suddenly  ap- 
pears in  its  center;  next  a  wand  is  seen  to  materialize  and 
gently  floats  into  his  outstretched  hand;  walking  to  one  side 
of  stage  and  making  several  passes  with  wand  a  table  springs 
into  view;  another  is  materialized  out  of  thin  air  and  caused 
to  float  to  opposite  side;  reaching  into  the  air,  performer 
picks  out  a  large  vase,  which  before  the  eyes  multiplies  to 
two.  Objects  placed  in  vase  on  one  side  of  stage  mysteriously 
disappear  and  are  found  on  opposite  side ;  many  other  events 
transpire,  such  as  the  materiahzation  of  an  assistant  who  is 
decapitated  and  his  body  apparently  completely  dismembered ; 
these  pieces  then  being  thrown  towards  back  of  stage  and  the 
body  completely  reassembled.  At  conclusion  the  various 
objects  used  are  dematerialized,  or  caused  to  vanish  from 
sight,  performer  himself  walking  off  stage  or  instantly  van- 
ishing while  thereon. 

The  principle  embodied  is  similar  to  the  one  explained 
under  the  caption,  "Materialization  Cabinets."  The  back  drop 
of  stage  is  black,  and  sides  and  top  are  enclosed  with  similar 
colored  velvet  or  heavy  cloth,  so  that  no  ray  of  light  penetrates 
upon  the  stage ;  along  the  proscenium  arch  and  sides  of  stage 
are  rows  of  bright  lights  that  partly  delude  audience  into  be- 
lieving the  stage  is  lit,  but  as  a  matter  of  fact  so  blind  a  per- 
son's eyes  that  actions  thereon  are  invisible. 

Performer  himself  is  dressed  in  white,  and  all  the  objects 
used  are  of  this  color,  being  therefore  visible  on  the  darkened 
stage,  if  not  set  too  far  back.  Near  rear  of  stage  is  an  addi- 
tional strip  of  black  velvet,  about  four  or  five  feet  high  and 
running  partly  across  stage,  behind  which  the  objects  to  be 
used  are  concealed ;  also  where  assistants  remain ;  these  assist- 
ants wear  soft  felt  shoes,  are  completly  dressed  in  black,  with 

114 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

similarly  colored  gloves  and  black  netting  over  head  to  obli- 
terat  the  glow  of  their  eyeballs. 

The  Performer's  remarkable  entry  is  made  in  this  manner: 
He  is  concealed  back  of  strip  running  across  stage ;  an  assist- 
ant throws  a  large  piece  of  black  velvet  in  front  of  him  and 
keeps  pace  with  him  until  desired  spot  is  reached,  then  sud- 
denly whisking  velvet  away  performer  is  in  view.  Tables, 
chairs,  etc.,  are  introduced  in  the  same  manner;  if  a  gradual 
materialization  takes  place,  it  is  affected  by  slowly  drawing 
away  the  covering.  An  article  placed  in  one  vase  is  immedi- 
ately picked  up  by  an  assistant,  who  unseen,  carries  it  across 
stage  and  deposits  in  the  other  vase.  The  butchery  of  assist- 
ant is  carried  off  by  the  live  person  stepping  behind  a  velvet 
shield  and  a  dummy  substituted,  and  when  these  dummy  legs 
are  thrown,  an  unseen  assistant  catches  and  assembles,  substi- 
tution for  actual  assistant  again  taking  place. 

These  acts  seem  to  be  in  disfavor  in  the  United  States  and 
have  not  appeared  on  the  boards  for  several  years. 

THE  FORTUNE  TELLING  BALL: 

A  14-inch  nickel  rod,  three  feet  high,  with  a  five-inch 
weighted  base  to  keep  same  in  upright  position,  is  exhibited 
by  performer,  who  also  passes  out  for  inspection  a  light 
wooden  ball  five  inches  in  diameter  with  a  hole  through  its 
center  to  permit  it  being  placed  on  the  nickeled  rod:  When 
this  has  been  done  performr  causes  ball  to  run  up  and  down, 
or  to  answer  questions  by  the  spiritualistic  code,  one  rise  for 
Yes,  etc.  At  conclusion  ball  floats  off  the  rod  into  performer's 
hands. 

At  base  of  rod  is  fastened  by  the  aid  of  a  very  small  eyelet 
a  length  of  strong  silk  thread,  running  up  the  side  of  rod, 
through  an  eyelet  hole  and  thence  off  stage  to  a  confederate. 

115 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


Performer  may  take  stand  to  footlights  and  exhibit  with- 
out disclosing  presence  of  thread,  but  the  ball  itself  can  be 
passed  into  audience:  When  returned  it  is  slid  over  rod, 
which  causes  it  in  this  downward  flight  to  carry  along  the 
thread,  and  confederate  should  feed  out  this  slack.  If  thread 
is  pulled  it  will  cause  ball  to  rise  the  desired  distance,  and  on 
releasing,  ball  will  fall  to  bottom  of  rod,  slowly  or  rapidly  at 
will  of  confederate.  In  this  manner  questions  are  answered 
by  causing  the  ball  to  bob  up  a  few  inches  and  then  settle  into 
place. 

At  conclusion  a  sharp  pull  on  thread  causes  ball  to  rise 
beyond  the  point  of  rod  and  fall  into  performer's  waiting 
hands,  incidentally  breaking  thread,  so  that  all  may  be  shown 
once  more,  if  thought  advisable. 

THE  CUT  AND  RESTORED  TURBAN: 

A  folded  piece  of  white  cloth  several  feet  in  length  is  ex- 
hibited, a  volunteer  assistant  each  holding  one  end ;  the  per- 
son performing  takes  hold  of  this  cloth  or  turban  at  its  center, 
gathering  up  between  his  hand  and  completely  severs,  expos- 
ing two  separate  and  distinct  portions,  while  two  ends  are  still 
held  by  volunteers :  Tieing  a  knot  with  these  two  ends  in  his 
hand,  they  are  ignited  and  burned;  when  knot  has  been  com- 
pletely consumed,  the  center  portion  is  dropped  and  cloth 
found  to  be  completely  restored. 

Several  artifices  are  employed  in  the  presentation  of  this 
effect,  all  with  a  similar  end  in  view,  but  the  one  explained 
herewith  is  the  most  convincing  and  simple  of  operation. 

To  the  center  of  your  folded  cloth  is  lightly  stitched  an- 
other folded  portion  about  nine  inches  long ;  being  of  the  same 
material  and  color  it  is  inviS|ible  even  at  a  short  distance; 
when  two  ends  are  grasped  by  assistants,  performer  takes 

116 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

hold  of  center  portion,  containing  fake,  grasping  turban  part 
proper  tightly  in  lower  portion  of  fist  and  pulling  up  the 
sewed  on  section,  and  it  is  this  extra  strip  of  cloth  that  is 
severed;  in  tieing  knot,  or  in  having  own  assistant  perform 
this  operation,  the  fake  is  entirely  removed  from  main  turban, 
but  still  held  by  fist ;  the  burning  is  done  merely  as  a  blind  to 
destroy  extra  cloth ;  if  it  is  not  all  burned,  remaining  portions 
are  carried  away  concealed  by  the  opened  fan.  Releasing  his 
hold  on  turban  proper  it  appears  just  as  at  start  of  exper- 
iment. 

CATCHING  LIVE  PIGEONS  OUT  OF  THE  AIR: 

Correctly  speaking  this  belongs  more  to  the  realm  of 
magic,  being  a  trick  or  illusion,  but  is  so  impossible  of  solu- 
tion by  the  ordinary  observer  that  an  explanation  is  given 
herewith. 

In  presenting,  performer  exhibits  a  net  about  li/^  feet  in 
diameter,  secured  to  the  end  of  a  five  foot  pole,  no  thicker  than 
a  broomstick.  Waving  net  slowly  over  heads  of  audience  he 
suddenly  makes  a  quick  lunge,  picking  a  pigeon  out  of  the  air, 
it  being  deposited  in  a  basket  held  by  an  assistant. 

That  a  solution  of  this  puzzling  trick  hes  in  the  handle  of 
net  would  appear  beyond  belief,  but  nevertheless  it  is  one 
of  the  main  assets,  the  other  principal  item  being  the  bas- 
ket into  which  performer  tosses  pigeon  after  landing  in 
his  net. 

The  handle  consists  of  a  piece  of  tubing  about  %-inch  in 
diameter  by  five  feet  in  length  generally  made  up  to  resemble 
bamboo.  At  lower  end  of  tubing  is  a  slot  cut  for  a  distance 
of  about  7  inches ;  inside  of  tube  is  a  i/4-inch  rod  having  on  one 
end  a  fake  made  out  of  feathers  to  resemble  the  wings  of  a 
pigeon,  it  being  attached  to  a  spring  arrangements  so  that 

117 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 


when  free  from  the  confines  of  tubing  it  will  spread  out,  and 
at  a  glance  resembles  a  live  pigeon.  This  rod  which  works 
fake  is  fastened  to  a  sliding  piece  of  tubing  just  fitting  over 
the  handle,  so  as  to  work  up  and  down  on  tube ;  at  bottom  of 
sliding  tubing  is  soldered  a  projection  or  "teet"  connecting 
to  rod  with  fake.  After  rod  and  fake  are  in  place  and  secured 
to  sliding  portion,  a  projecting  rim  is  soldered  at  end  of  handle 
to  prevent  the  sliding  piece  coming  off  pole  proper. 

The  baskets  are  mechanical  and  sometimes  provided  with 
lids,  others  devoid  thereof.  Bottom  of  basket  is  painted  black 
and  across  the  corner,  same  width  as  basket,  is  a  metal  flap, 
attached  to  its  bottom  by  a  spring,  so  that  it  will  naturally- 
fly  to  this  position  and  remain  flat.  The  flange  may,  however, 
be  pulled  up  so  that  it  covers  one  end  of  basket,  being  held 
in  this  position  by  a  catch,  attached  to  a  trigger  arrangement 
on  outside  end  of  basket,  a  pressure  on  said  trigger  releasing 
flap  and  causing  it  to  quickly  take  it's  natural  position  in 
basket.  When  ready  to  operate  in  connection  with  this  trick, 
a  pigeon  is  concealed  under  the  flap  and  assistant  holds  same 
with  hand  on  trigger  ready  to  release  at  the  proper  moment. 

Performer  waves  net  around  heads  of  audience  and  with 
a  sudden  sweeping  motion  in  the  general  direction  of  basket 
held  by  assistant  slides  the  collar  operating  fake,  causing 
these  feathers,  which  are  of  the  same  color  as  pigeon  in 
basket,  to  project  out  into  net,  and  as  only  a  fleeting  glimpse 
is  obtainable,  spectators  conclude  it  is  the  live  pigeon  seen  an 
instant  later.  Carrying  net  quickly  towards  basket,  it  is  met 
by  assistant  in  an  upward  movement,  the  instant  net  strikes 
basket,  performer  pulling  in  fake  and  assistant  releasing  live 
pigeon,  which  due  to  this  upward  movement  is  projected 
into  the  middle  of  basket,  or  even  into  net  itself. 

It  is  necessary  that  both  assistant  and  performer  carry 

118 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

out  their  part  of  the  trick  in  harmony,  otherwise  two  pigeons 
would  be  visible,  or  fake  would  disappear  before  live  one  was 
released  from  its  trap. 

THE  OBEDIENT  BALL: 

There  is  introduced  a  five-inch  wooden  ball  with  a  length 
of  cord  running  through  a  hole  in  its  center.  Operator  places 
one  end  of  cord  under  his  foot,  holding  opposite  and  with  one 
hand  and  by  lifting  up  and  dropping  ball  illustrates  that  it  is 
very  ordinary,  but,  on  raising  the  ball  to  top  of  string  and 
commanding  same  to  drop  slowly,  it  obeys,  or  may  be  stopped 
at  will  on  its  downward  journey. 

The  hole  running  through  this  ball  is  not  cut  straight,  but 
at  a  slight  angle  from  both  sides,  therefore,  if  plenty  of  slack 
is  allowed  ball  will  drop  quickly,  the  same  as  if  hole  were 
bored  straight  through;  when  desired  to  slacken  speed  or 
cause  ball  to  entirely  stop  its  flight  it  is  only  necessary  to  hold 
cord  taut, 

A  block  of  wood  may  be  bored  in  this  manner  and  accom- 
plish similar  results. 

In  conclusion:  While  my  attitude  towards  spiritism  may 
seem  sarcastic,  I  have  nothing  personal  against  the  believers 
in  this  religion  (as  it  is  now  termed).  If  persons  can  con- 
vince themselves  that  he  or  she  is  talking  or  listening  to  a 
departed  friend,  well  and  good.  I  maintain  that  a  ventriloquil 
medium  is  doing  the  talking ;  also  that  these  same  dear  friends 
in  ghostly  robes  are  nothing  more  or  less  than  quantities  of 
muslin  or  gauze.  Neither  is  there  any  envy  or  hard  feeling 
against  the  worker  who  merely  extracts  a  nominal  fee  for 
witnessing  a  seance;  I  have  been  guilty  of  executing  similar 
frauds  when  performing  a  crystal  gazing  act,  which  was 
essentially  an  amusement  proposition,  but  seriously  taken 
by  some. 

119 


ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE  OF  THE  FOOTLIGHTS 

There  will  be  suckers  now  and  in  years  to  come,  for  truly 
was  Barnum  right.  Perhaps  the  mediums  figure  that  they 
might  as  well  have  this  easy  money  as  someone  else,  and  some- 
times do  put  forth  a  creditable  show,  giving  the  donator  a 
good  amusement  return  for  his  investment. 

The  person  I  do  denounce  and  whom  I  have  endeavored  to 
expose  is  the  unscrupulous  faker  who  strips  the  deluded  widow, 
or  whoever  the  individual  may  be,  of  their  entire  savings  by 
causing  investments  in  bogus  stock,  or  any  other  venture. 
They  have  no  vestige  of  conscience,  and  like  the  vulture,  prey 
upon  the  unfortunate,  regardless  of  results  or  hardships  en- 
dured after  stripping  these  victims  who  fall  into  their  eager 
clutches. 

It  probably  would  be  impossible  to  convince  an  ardent  fol- 
lower of  seances  that  trickerj?^  was  the  basis  upon  which 
phenomenal  tests  were  built;  that  this  also  plays  an  im- 
portant part  in  all  the  transactions,  but,  as  a  final  word,  the 
late  Harry  Kellar,  a  staunch  fighter  against  the  doctrine  of 
spiritism  and  the  greatest  magician  the  world  has  ever  known, 
for  many  years  had  a  standing  offer  of  §15,000.00  that  he 
would,  within  forty-eight  hours,,  produce  by  natural  means 
any  test  or  phenomena,  or  duplicate  any  feat  performed  by  a 
medium ;  otherwise  this  sum  would  be  forfeited  to  the  medium. 
While  widely  advertised  this  offer  was  never  taken  advan- 
tage of. 


120 


14  DAY  USE 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED  ,^ 

EDUCATION-PSYCHOLOGY 
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